In loving memory of Jerome Blaise Carter
February 3, 1938 – July 14, 2025
Jerome “Jerry” Carter, affectionately known as “Pa”, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children at their family home in Pasadena Hills, Missouri, on Monday, July 14, at the age of 87.
Born on February 3, 1938 in St. Louis, MO, Jerry was the beloved son of Edward and Ledia (nee Frick) Carter. He was the youngest sibling of four. He attended St. Louis University High.
He met his soon to be wife, Marie Lauber, while in high school. They married at age 20 in 1958. Their union of 66 years blessed them with six children – one son and five daughters.
An avid supporter of the SLU Billiken basketball team where he attended college, Jerry and Marie held season tickets for over 30 years. His enthusiasm for sports extended to the St. Louis Cardinals and whatever sports his children or grandchildren were playing. Whether basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball or volleyball, Pa was always in the stands cheering or on the sidelines coaching.
Jerry lived a life devoted to his family, faith, and community. He was actively involved in St. Ann Church throughout his adult life, especially while his kids were in attendance at the school. He was part of the Men’s Club that was in charge of athletic events. Later, in his eighties, Jerry served as an Alderman for Pasadena Hills, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
He used his woodworking talents building props for St. Ann’s plays and projects at the preschool. He gifted grandchildren with toy boxes, shelving, and whatever furniture was requested of him. He made sets and scenery for the Christmas Eve plays his family and neighbors performed to raise money for those in need during the holidays. Jerry and Marie hosted this “renowned” Christmas tradition at their family home for over fifty years.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ed (June) Carter of Akron, OH and sister Nancy (Don) Lasater of Rockford, IL.
He is survived by his wife Marie (nee Lauber) of Pasadena Hills, MO, his son Jerome Jr.(Rebecca Soliday)of Edina, MN, his daughters Karen (Frank) Carter of St. Louis, MO, Kelly (Eric) Schneider of Kirkwood, MO, Kathleen (Marc) Groppe of Columbia, IL, Kristine (nee Carter) Krekeler of Cottleville, MO, Kay (Steve) Dieckmann of Pasadena Hills, MO, 22 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and sister Patricia (nee Carter) Haneklau of Atlanta, GA, and many nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered for his helping spirit, love of family and lasting connections he made throughout his life. He will be dearly missed.
Services: Visitation will be held at Saint Ann Catholic Church (7530 Natural Bridge Rd. Normandy, MO 63121) on Wednesday, July 23,2025 from 1:30p.m. – 3:00p.m. followed by funeral mass at 3:00 p.m. Interment St. Ann Churchyard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to; St. Ann Early Childhood Center, 7530 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO. 63121
A Service of Kutis City Chapel, 2906 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118
I spent many of my young years at the Carter house and always loved Mr. Carter, he always paid a lot of attention to me and love to tease me. I was a little jealous he was not my dad. He had a long life and will certainly be missed!! I had a chance to see him last time I was in town and I didn’t, lesson learned the hard way!
Mr. Carter, you were a very kind man to the Sparrow-Tuhill Family. We are blessed to have known you.
Enjoy Heaven🪽🪽
I had the privilege to work for this wonderful man at the Lettuce Leaf in Westport, Clayton and then in the Chesterfield Valley in the early 90’s. I loved it, he was hands on, he would jump in and help like no owner I have ever seen. He was an awesome teacher and had great patience with his employees. He was a generous soul and he was truly a blessing to this world.
Very fond memories of my Uncle Jerry! Loved playing Backgammon for hours on end.
Beautiful Man!
Love & miss you Uncle Jerry!!!!
Love,
Mike & Kay Haneklau
No person will EVER replace the good-natured demeanor of Jerome Carter, Pasadena Hills Ward 2 Alderman. Even though I didn’t know Mr. Carter personally, I knew OF him, voted for him, and felt connected to him through his charming/kind-hearted daughter Kay and her intelligent/energetic husband Steve Dieckmann, Pasadena Hills residents.
Kay was very emotional about her father’s untimely death when we spoke yesterday July 17 at the Natural Bridge branch of the St. Louis County Library. She came to find a book for her mother. But, we reminisce about “the good ole days,” her father’s accomplishments and his love of family. Also, he was very passionate about public service volunteering to his community and feeding seniors through Meals on Wheels.
Reading Mr. Carter’s obit impressed me because he symbolized a hard-working, highly-spirited, and true genuine gentleman. He was “one in a million.”
I’ll always treasure your acquaintance knowing your exceptional daughter Kay and her top-notch husband Steve. They’re an energetic and lively legacy.
God Bless You, Jerome.
Sincerely, Marlene Bake
Mr. Carter always had a smile on his face. He and Mrs. Carter always welcomed all of us kids at any time. He was involved in the church and community and so well respected. Such a kind man to all. You will be missed.
Our condolences to the Carter Family. Jerry/Mr. Carter and the entire family have been out extended family/neighbors since 1982. Great memories and cherished times with the Carter Family. We remember Putter and all of the dogs trained not to leave the yard! Sending hugs and our sympathies 🙏
Rene’, Nikki & Trance ♥️
Thank you Mr Carter for always making me feel welcome and safe in your home. You always had a smile that would light up the room . I pray for peace and comfort for your family .
I had the privilege to work side by side with Jerry ( Mr. C ) for 10 years at the lettuce leaf in 3 locations . He was awesome to work with, always there to help out when needed. Jerry also bowled on a league with my family and I. He became like a second father to me and would be there when needed. He was a man with great integrity whom I learned a lot from. My condolences to all friends and family. I’ll never forget his kindness . Thanks for teaching me your skills at backgammon.
Jerry and I worked together . Good guy. Loved his family . Rick Haberstroh
We never imagined that last Christmas eve was the last time we would see you. You were always so welcoming, smiling, and kind to everyone, especially us. Thank you for including my husband, Jim and I in your special Santa tradition for over 25 years. You are already so missed…Christmas eve will not be the same.
“Mr. Carter” to this 10 year old little girl, to Pa then Jerry as an adult and then back to Pa, he was always the gentle giant of the family.
A behind the scenes kinda dad compared to all the female energy!!
Always sweet, welcoming to his home and heart with a kind smile.
Lover of Hydrox cookies, cooker of Sunday breakfast bacon, Christmas Eve ham and silly conversation.
Pa your loving heart will be missed by many.