Prentice Leon Carte

Prentice Leon Carte, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born on January 31, 1938, in Sutton, West Virginia, to the late Elmer and Ida (Martin) Carte, he lived a life marked by integrity, diligence, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew him.

Prentice honorably served in the United States Air Force before beginning a distinguished 42-year career at The Boeing Company, where he played an instrumental role in supporting NASA missions for both the Apollo Program and the Space Shuttle. A man of deep faith, he was ordained as a Deacon at the age of 24 at Westgate Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, and remained actively involved in congregations in Columbus, Ohio; Long Beach, Mississippi; Frisco, Texas; and Denton, Texas.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lillian Dodrill Carte, and their children: daughters Melody and her husband Brant Nix, Melissa and her husband Jay Whitfield, and son Matt and his wife Erin Hair Carte. Prentice took great pride in his ten grandchildren—Erica, Brandon, Zachary, Nathan, Tyler, Brady, Haley, Cason, Alex, and Abbey—and his ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Carte, Lois Jean Carte Boggs, Reggie Carte, and Rose Carte DeMoss.

In his leisure, Prentice enjoyed golfing, cheering for his favorite sports teams, and solving jigsaw puzzles. His laughter and wisdom will be deeply missed, but the warmth of his love will forever remain in the hearts of those he cherished.