Francis L. McCarter Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Francis L. “Frank” McCarter, age 94, passed away October 1, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 20, 1921 in Gardner, IL, the son of the late Austin and Mittie Mae (Petit) McCarter. Frank’s lifelong love of aviation, dogs, and playing baseball began during his childhood in Gardner. After graduating from Gardner High School, he worked at Bull’s Grocery Store. During WWII, he served in the Army Air Corps. He became one of the famed “Flying Tigers,” flying 60 missions in the China-Burma-India Theater, advancing to the rank of Captain. Following the war, he worked at Caterpillar in Joliet for 32 years, retiring as a General Foreman in Inspection. During that time, he married Charlene Shepherd on April 7, 1951. Most of their married life was spent raising their family in Minooka, IL. He was a member of EAA Chapter 95 and the Warbirds of America Squadron 4. Frank enjoyed going to air museums and air shows where often he received cherished plane rides from friends. He and Charlene attended many Flying Tiger reunions all over the country. Time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was what he treasured most. Frank’s favorite hobby was building and displaying model airplanes. He also collected many aircraft books. Yard work and visiting with special neighbors was also a great pastime. The last two years of his life were spent peacefully under the most excellent, respectful and loving care by the staff at the Illinois Veterans’ Home - LaSalle. Frank is survived by daughters, Claudia (Bill) Morrison, Mindy Closen (Ron Herath), Julie (John) Hoth; grandchildren Lisa (Nathan) Super-Brown, Chase (Tracy) Closen, Sasha Dobbs, McKenzie Closen, Kimberly (Cody) Montgomery, Mallory (Cpl-USMC Andrew) Herring, Jessica and Logan Hoth; great-grandchildren Veronica and Brody Melton, and Layne Montgomery; brother-in-law Wes (Iona) Shepherd and loving niece Rochelle (Dan) McCarthy and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Charlene, March 10, 2014; his parents; sisters, Hazel Pope, Eleanor Brunner; brothers, John, Russell, and Wayne. Visitation for Francis will be held on October 8, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, located at 301 W. Washington Street in Morris. Enhanced video tributes will be played during the visitation. A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Braceville-Gardner Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Frank may be made to the Illinois Veterans’ Home, 1015 O’Connor Ave., LaSalle, IL 61301 or Minooka United Methodist Church, 2015 W. Church St, Minooka IL 60447. Arrangements have been entrusted with U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, 301 W Washington Street, Morris, Illinois. For further information visit the website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com or contact the funeral home at (815) 942-0084. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting our website.

Francis L. McCarter

April 20, 1921 - October 1, 2015

Obituary & Service

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Francis L. McCarter

April 20, 1921 - October 1, 2015

Obituary & Service

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