Thomas Lee Carter

Thomas “Tom” Lee Carter passed away on December 8, 2023. He was born on October 29, 1944, to Lawrence and Ella Mae Carter in Hillsboro, Ohio. Tom’s father died while Tom was very young. Ella later married Ben Herr, who was a good father to Tom.

Tom graduated high school and enlisted in the Army on November 13, 1962-1968. Tom met Mary Ellen Lightle in 1970 when he entered the Tux Bar in Prescott, WA. He rode his motorcycle into the bar, parking it between the pool tables, making a lifetime impression on Mary Ellen. They were married on March 17, 1971, in Lewiston, Idaho.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Carter and Ella Herr; stepdad, Ben Herr; and his son, Thomas Lee Carter. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, at home; daughter, Toni Bull of Pasco; grandchildren, John Thomas Martin, Carter Allen Martin, Dakota Carter, Sierra Carter, and Cheyenne Carter; great-grandchildren, Brentley Martin and Ember Stankey.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Veterans Home through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.