David Robert Carter, the son of Paul Thomas Carter and Majel Louise Wheeler, was born in National City, California on January 26, 1953. He passed away suddenly in the early hours of March 10, 2022, from a heart attack at the age of 69. David went to be with his Lord while at home on his longhorn ranch, exactly as he would have planned.

David graduated from Francis W. Parker School, Class of 1971. Following graduation he attended colleges in Alaska, Missouri, and San Diego with majors in Theater Arts and Psychology.

David married his first wife, Rachel Lopez in 1979 and together they raised 3 children in the Southern California area.

Throughout his work career, he was an insurance agent, real estate agent, a firefighter, and EMT. Upon retirement, he chose to answer the question of occupation with a simple "I'm a retired firefighter." He loved being an EMT in Borrego Springs, California, and was proud to be selected for a firefighter job in San Diego after competing for a handful of openings against 2000 applicants. However, when asked what his "job" was he would often say, "I have 3 great kids." David served on the board of Luv On Fire Ministries, a ministry for special needs adults and children in San Diego, California. When he moved to Texas, he became a lifetime member of the NRA and a concealed carry and gun safety instructor. He served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America when his children were young. In the last 2 years of his life, he spent time and resources volunteering with Furever Homes Dog Rescue, fostering and training abandoned and stray dogs to be adopted by loving families in Eastern Canada.

First and foremost, David was known as a gifted caretaker who was empathetic to the needs of others and jumped into action to meet those needs. He loved his family unconditionally and served any person, friend, or stranger, who had a need. This love seemed to intensify with each grandchild. Hearing the outpouring of heartfelt stories from those who will miss him has helped us reflect on his loving, generous, and caring character. We are humbled and touched by the impact that his life has had on so many that knew him.

Welcoming him to heaven are his parents Paul T. Carter and Majel L. Carter. David is survived by his wife, April Carter; his children, Jared and wife, Christine Carter, Matthew and wife, LynDee Carter, and Elizabeth and husband, James Primeaux; their mother, Rachel Carter; and grandchildren Zach Primeaux (age 13), Mason (age 4) and Riley Carter (age 1), and Amelia Carter (age 11 months). He is also survived by his brother, Doug Carter; and sisters, Chris (Dave) Hagin and Candy (Terry) Smith. He will be greatly missed.