Obituary of Ian Christian Carter

Ian Christian Carter, 23, quietly absconded his ICU room with all its entrapments and the body that had held him captive for the past several years, and became the life of the party in heaven on February 13, 2018. He was joyfully welcomed there by his parents, Michael and Karen, and grandparents Bob and Clara Cave; and is awaiting his reunion there one day with his siblings, Ainsley (his twin sister), Spencer (Hannah), and Kirsten (Tim); six nieces and nephews; grandparents Otis and Delilah Carter, and many family and friends.

Ian was known for living life and each experience it brought to the fullest,​ and ​for always having a quick smile and a witty comment to make others smile. Born in Fort Worth, Texas on April 17, 1994, he was always a Texan and cowboy at heart. He loved Country music, Louis L'Amour Westerns, and John Wayne movies.

​He was passionate about good food, as defined by himself, and couldn't live happily for very long without root beer. His thirst for knowledge and learning led him down widely varied literary trails, and he devoured tomes on topics ranging from Japanese sword making, to diamonds, to the best strategies for winning board games and beyond. (He was really hard to beat.) More impressive than his interest in such a range of topics, was his ability to digest the information, store away interesting details, and recall them later in conversations. He always had a joke or quote or amusing anecdote at the tip of his tongue to fit the occasion. 

During his senior year in high school (2011) he developed symptoms from a brain tumor, which changed the trajectory of his life. Initial treatments gave him a reprieve, during which time he enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime - a Make-A-Wish trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he went horseback riding, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, and for dinner at Bar-J Ranch - a long-time dream, since watching a few of their dinner theater comedy routines on DVD.

In December 2013, when it became imperitive to perform surgery and remove the tumor, Ian prayed for his doctors and calmly, confidently stated, "Whatever happens, we will give God the glory." Throughout the six years he dealt with the tumor and various health issues following his surgery, God was indeed glorified, while many people heard his story from across the United States and even as far as England. He suffered from short-term memory loss, but surprised everyone by recalling sign language (from classes in his early teens), a number of favorite jokes and stories, and random facts he'd picked up from his extensive reading. He kept his classic sense of humor through the ups and downs, often making his doctors, nurses, and therapists laugh along with his family.

​Memorial gifts, if desired, may be given through the GoFundMe.com/carterfamfund​, to defray expenses for his twin sister and faithful caregiver, Ainsley, as she prepares for her future. We deeply appreciate the support and prayers of so many family and friends through this whole time.

Visiting Hours will be Saturday, February 17th at 2:00 p.m., Memorial Service 4:00 p.m., with a meal following.