Anthony Douglas Carter

Palmer resident Anthony Douglas Carter, 45, passed Sept. 10, 2014, at his home surrounded by family. He fought strong against cancer.

Tony was born in Los Angeles, California, April 28, 1969. Tony determined early to serve in the military. He was an Eagle Scout and served a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission to Columbus Ohio.

The greatest love of his life was Rachelle Kirkpatrick. He married her in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they have five wonderful children. Family was everything to Tony.

He served in the Marine Corps for eight years and then completed commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic licenses. Following the 9/11 terrorists attacks he joined U.S. Army Special Forces. He served 12 years as a Green Beret. He was deployed several times in defense of the nation. In combat action in Afghanistan Tony “showed extreme bravery and courage under fire.” A member of his team wrote, “he never hesitated when called to arms. Heroes are those that face death time and time again, they choose to expose themselves for the protection of others. They set aside their security for our future… He did this without hesitation time and time again. Tony will remain forever my hero.”

In civilian life, Tony served as a police officer and fireman for the Anchorage International Airport. He was remembered as exemplary, positive and always willing to lend a hand. “His love of work, the public, and his fellow officers always showed.”

Surviving are his wife, Rachelle Carter and their children Cheyenne, Rhiannon, Zane, Crede, and Bella; parents, Walter and Julia Carter; siblings, Michael, Wendy, Patti, Bev, Charles, Corrin, David, Kimba and Kristin; in-laws, Pat and Shawna Kirkpatrick and Tammy, Mike, Karen, Dani, and Shawn; and many other relatives who love him.

Services are at 1 p.m., Sept. 17 at the LDS Chapel in Palmer, with a viewing to precede services at noon. A memorial service also is planned at 10 a.m., Sept. 22 at the Oak Hills LDS Chapel in Beaverton, Oregon. That afternoon there will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

We wish to thank his great medical caregivers, AP&F, the U.S. Army, VA, ward members and friends.

Donations for his children’s education can be sent to Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union: Tony Carter Memorial 147191-CA FIJI.