Tom "Pa" Carter

Thomas Calvin Carter, lovingly known as "Pa," passed away on March 6, 2025, in Wenatchee, Washington, at the age of 87. Born on September 12, 1937, in Monitor, Washington, Tom was the son of Ama and Herman Carter. He grew up in Plain, Washington, alongside his siblings Xenophon, Hix, Eugene, LaWanda, and Willie Rhea. From an early age, he embraced the values of hard work and dedication that would shape his life. Tom married Billie Fern Morrison on October 6, 1960. Together they had Cindy and Calvin before parting ways. He later married Judith Frances Vaara on March 18, 1966, blending their families with her sons Mitch and Kirk from a previous marriage. Together they had Deanna before divorcing on May 27, 1980. As a young husband and father, Tom pursued his passion for finance by studying accounting in Seattle while working as a dishwasher to support his family. During this time, he lived in the Highpoint area of Seattle. After his second marriage, he moved across Puget Sound and built a long and respected career as Payroll Supervisor at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton before retiring. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to his work earned him commendations and the admiration of colleagues and friends alike. Following retirement, Tom moved to Wenatchee to care for his mother in her later years. After her passing, he lived with his sister Willie Rhea and eventually became her caregiver after she suffered a massive stroke. His devotion to family was unwavering—he gave selflessly to those he loved without hesitation. Beyond his professional life and caregiving responsibilities, Tom found joy in simple pleasures. He was an avid wrestling fan who rarely missed watching a match on TV with his daughter Cindy. He also shared a deep friendship with Jim Marts, his longtime best friend who sadly passed away last December. In quieter moments, Tom could often be found immersed in western novels—a pastime he truly enjoyed. He loved visiting the library for new books, taking walks around town and by the Columbia River, and going out for coffee with Jim at his favorite restaurant—the Country Inn in East Wenatchee—where all the waitresses knew him by name. He never needed a menu; he had memorized it from frequent visits. Tom courageously battled colon cancer ten years ago and remained cancer-free following a long and difficult journey but was later diagnosed with dementia, which ultimately led to his passing. Tom leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his children Calvin Carter of Portland, Oregon; Cindy Carter of Wenatchee, Washington; and Deanna Craft of Kent, Washington; step-sons Mitch Spencer of Puyallup, Washington; and Kirk Spencer of Everett, Washington. He is also survived by nine grandchildren—Michael Carter, Stacey Pinili, Stephanie Jackson, Kaitlyn Jackson, Justin Spencer, Sarah Erickson, Brandon Erickson, Alicia Erickson, and Kyle Spencer—as well as numerous great-grandchildren and many other friends and loved ones. A viewing will be held on March 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home located at 302 9th St., Wenatchee, Washington. A graveside service will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park & Mausoleum located at 1301 10th St. NE in East Wenatchee, Washington at 12:00 PM. Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him. Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee, WA.

Tributes

Tom "Pa" Carter

September 12, 1937 - March 6, 2025