Joseph Alvin Carter Jr.

Joseph Alvin Carter Jr., lovingly known to his family as Dad and Papa, age 93, passed away on September 1, 2026, after a short illness while receiving exceptional care from the nurses and doctors at the University of Utah Hospital.

Dad was born on January 16, 1933, in his grandfather's house on Park Street in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joseph Alvin Carter and Florence Emma Plewe Carter. He was one of six children, growing up alongside his siblings Venita, Doug, Bob, Linda, and Lee.

Dad served his country as a U.S. Navy Seabee, stationed in the Philippines and Guam. Trained as a carpenter, he went on to build a distinguished career at the Tooele Army Depot, where his dedication and devotion to the mission quickly advanced him to manager over the classified Redeye missile program. In 1982, Dad transferred to TROSCOM (Troop Support Command) in Germany, where he spent the next five years embracing the adventure and immersing himself in a culture that was also part of his own heritage. During that time, the whole family traveled throughout Europe, an experience that expanded their view of the world in remarkable ways. He later returned to the United States and worked at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, for three years. Along the way, Dad was also certified as a technician for Magnavox televisions — back when they still ran on vacuum tubes.

On November 10, 1956, Dad married the love of his life, Maurie Emma. Together they raised five children in their Taylorsville home. Family was at the center of everything Dad and Mom did. They hosted fabulous dinners every Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and Fourth of July, and hamburger night became a favorite family tradition. Everyone who walked through their door was welcomed and valued. Most summers were spent together on the Oregon Coast, camping in the wilderness, riding motorcycles, and making memories the family still holds dear.

Dad retired in the early 1990s and entered the next chapter of life with the same spirit of adventure that had always defined him. He loved taking sudden, impromptu trips with Mom, including trips to Louisiana. They traveled the country in their fifth wheel and spent winters as snowbirds in Mesquite and Parker. Dad loved to drive — fast — and would sometimes take random trips on his own to visit his son in Washington State.

Dad was a builder. After he retired, he drew up plans for a massive garage and workshop to house his hobbies and toys. His architectural drawings were approved by the city engineers on the very first permit application. With the help of his sons, sons-in-law, and children, he built the entire building from the foundation to the final roofing nail.

Papa was a natural teacher — the kind of man who would teach you to fish, patiently show you how to do it for yourself, and still hand you a fish if you needed one that day.

Dad and Papa will be remembered for his steady hands, generous heart, practical wisdom, and deep love for his family. His life was marked by service, hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to show up whenever he was needed.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maurie Emma Carter, and his brothers Robert Carter, Doug Carter, and Lee Carter.

Dad is survived by his children, Scott, Tamyra, Camille (Kelly), Shaun, and Mindy; his siblings, Venita and Linda; twenty-five grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Funeral services for Dad will be held on September 8, 2026, at Memorial Redwood Cemetery.

A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

A celebration of life will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The procession to the graveside and resting place dedication will immediately follow the service at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84084