Carter, Clayton Patrick "Clay" Clayton Patrick Clay Carter, age 66 of Hesperia, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2007 at his home following a short illness. Clay was born on March 16, 1941 in Pontiac to Emory and Bertie (Freeman) Carter and moved to the Hesperia area in 1967 from Pontiac. Clay married Karen Beean on April 10, 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clay owned and operated Hesperia Steel Supply and Fabricating since 1967 where he designed, engineered and built many projects over the years. Clay built some of the area fire departments first water tankers and trailers now distributed throughout the United States. Clay enjoyed deer hunting and traveling and was a member of the Ferry United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Karen of Hesperia; his children, Scott (Barb) Carter of Fremont; Terry Carter of Shelby; Kelly (John) Riesgraf of Duluth, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Dustin, Jason, Kimberly, Jennifer; his sister, Kay (Joe) Hayward of St. Anne, Illinois; his brother, Joe (Marilyn) Carter of Hart. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Lisa Carter in March 2007. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June, 20, 2007 at the Reeman Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Brad Brillhart of the Ferry United Methodist Church presiding with interment in the West Hesperia Cemetery. Friends may consider the Ferry United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice for memorial contributions in memory of Clay. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Carter family online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. Click here to post a condolence or memory of Clayton P. Carter on-line To Clay's Wife and Family, Karen and Children, so sorry to hear he is gone! Clay was a special man and will be missed by all. My family and I wish you peace and comfort at this time. I wish I could be there for you all but I do send my best and love. Sincerely, Joan Freeman and Family (Gary T. Freeman Cousin to Clay) Posted 6/19/07 I would like to pass along our deepest condolences on Clay's passing. My boys have fond memories of visiting Clay in his shop and having cookies with him and listening to his stories. They always considered it such a treat to be able to visit with him. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you in the days ahead. ~ The Sorenson's (Jake, Ben, Daniel, Lisa) Posted 6/19/07 Karen, Scott, Terry & Kelly- - We are proud to say that we have known each and everyone of you through "thick & thin". Your dad/husband was a unique individual who was a artist in whatever endeavor he undertook. In each of you we can see some of the qualities of Clay. Darrell & Sally Patton Crazy Horse, SD Posted 6/21/07 To the Clay Carter Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I remember attending school with Scott, Terry, and Kelly. Karen was also a teacher at Hesperia High School. I see Scott every once in awhile, and had the pleasure of getting to know Michael over the past two years through the Career-Tech Center. Even though I do not get the chance to speak to you very often, I always enjoy sharing family updates when we do talk. I pray that you find peace and comfort in sharing memories with family and friends in the days ahead. May God be with you and bless you all. With sympathy, Robin M. Knight Posted 6/21/07 Karen Scott Terry and Kelly, So sorry to here of your loss. Clay was a great man and he had the best sense of humor. I've shared some special memorable times with your family and my heart goes out to all of you in your time of need. My prayers are with you. Love you guys!!! Kelly Gilbert Thompson Posted 6/26/07 I am sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed getting to know Clay during my brief visits at THS. He seemed like a great person who lived life with the wonderful attributes of pride and dignity. I wish for you comfort in all the love that surrounds a man like Clay, a man that could instill admiration even from a short encounter. God's Peace, Paul Taylor Speech-Language Therapist Posted 6/28/07 Karen, I was so sad to find that Clay has passed on. I have many fond memories of being at your home and laughing with you and Clay. You two always had a way with welcoming the youth and making us feel important. Thanks so much for including me in your life and taking me on the summer trip after I graduated, it's one of my favorite memories as a teen. Clay will be truly missed by many. I love you Karen! Kelly and brothers, remember your Dad as the man he was; a good and honest man that would give and help anyone he could. Great times with your Dad... remember them all. God Bless and Keep you. Jen Wiggins (Welch) Posted 4/8/2009