WILLIAM EARL CARTER, age 64, a resident of Charleston died at 7:03 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center.

He was born December 10, 1944 in the Gravel Ridge Community of Mississippi County to Hester Hall Carter Pehm who survives of Charleston. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Norfolk, VA from 1961 until 1964. Following his discharge he returned to Charleston where he had been employed as a truck driver for 33 years until his retirement. He had attended the Church of God of Prophecy in Charleston.

On January 16, 1968 he married Paula K. Wren who preceded him in death on June 7, 2000.

Surviving in addition to his mother is one daughter and son in law, Amye and Kevin Kilmer of Sikeston; two brothers, Leonard Pehm Jr. of Charleston and Terry Pehm of Bardwell, KY; three grandchildren, Brooke Carter, Sophia Carter, and Avery Kilmer all of Sikeston.

Preceded him in death was his step father, Leonard R Pehm Sr., one son, William Carter, one daughter, Rhonda Carter, two brothers, Obie Pehm and Patrick Pehm, and one sister, Susan Pehm Owens.

Friends may call after 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2009, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston until the Funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Gerald Penn, pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Charleston will officiate.

Missouri Military Honor Guard will conduct Graveside rites at the IOOF Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jere Sides, Willard Turner, Terry Duty, Warren Palmer, Todd Palmer, and George Smith.