Obituary of Michael Otis Carter

Michael Otis Carter, 53, went Home to Glory early in the morning on January 26th, 2018, following a year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his parents, siblings, and youngest daughter. 

Michael was born in Dallas, Texas, September 24th, 1964 to parents Otis and Delilah Carter. He had an early appreciation for and gift of music, from taking piano lessons to teaching private theory classes as a young teenager, on through a Bachelor's degree in piano performance (Oklahoma Baptist University, '87) and Master's degree in Music Theory and Pedagogue (Texas Christian University, '91), both on scholarship.  He continued to teach piano lessons for many years and played at a number of weddings and church gatherings. 

Karen Cave's cheery smile and sense of fun captured his heart in high school choir, and after dating for several years they married at the age of 19. Their first two children, Kirsten and Spencer, were born during his college years at OBU. Twins, Ian and Ainsley, followed in 1994. Michael and Karen were married for 27 years, homeschooling their family throughout their education, until the end of Karen's battle with cancer in 2011.

In the weeks immediately after Karen's passing, their son Ian was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Ian's care needs increased in the following years, and through it all, Michael never faltered. He devoted himself entirely to his family, never failing to be an encouragement to all with whom he came in contact through his undying optimism, ardent faith, and deep trust in God.

While waiting for a position teaching music, Michael accepted a temporary job at Allstate, which turned into a permanent 27 year career. He was a respected, hard-working employee in Dallas, Texas and then in Hudson, Ohio. One highlight of those years was a six week trip to India to assist in work training, allowing him to explore a new culture and cuisine. He enjoyed gardening and trying new recipes with his produce, exploring hiking paths, reading, and playing piano. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, and was able to meet, by video call, his newest grandson - his namesake, Logan Michael, born January 17, 2018.

Michael is preceded in death by his wife Karen. He is survived by  his children Kirsten (Tim) DiPuma, Spencer (Hannah), Ainsley, and Ian, his grandchildren Katie, Nathan, Ellen, Jacob, and Logan DiPuma, and Renee,  his parents Otis and Delilah, and his siblings Rick, Regena Pelham, Steve (Theresa), Sharon (Rufus) Martinez, and Lisa (Ryan) Finch, 

Memorial donations may be made to: The Carter Family Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/carterfamfund or The Ohio State Nature Preserves http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/donate if desired. 

Calling hours 5-8 PM, Tuesday, January 30th. Funeral at 10 AM, Wednesday, January 31st.