In memory of Kenneth Eugene Carter Jr.

89(R) SR 700 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 700

In Memory

of

Kenneth Carter Jr.

WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew

to a close with the passing of Pastor Dr. Kenneth Eugene

Carter Jr. of Tyler on April 6, 2025, at the age of 90; and

WHEREAS, The son of Kenneth E. Carter Sr. and Doris

McAuliffe Carter, Ken Carter was born in San Antonio on February

18, 1935; he and his beloved younger sister, Camille, were

mischievous partners throughout their childhood; he graduated

from Amon Carter-Riverside High School in Fort Worth and earned

his bachelor's degree in economics from the Rice Institute; he

met his future wife, the former Mary Alice "Freddie" Frederick,

while serving on the student council; they wed on February 14,

1955, and went on to share 70 years together; they were blessed

with two children, Kathy and Buddy; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Carter served in the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers, attaining the rank of first lieutenant; he remained in

the Army Reserve for two years while employed by Ford Motor

Company in Dallas; at a church retreat, he felt his call to the

ministry, and he gave up his successful career to enter Perkins

School of Theology at Southern Methodist University; he served as

youth minister at Kirkwood United Methodist Church in Irving and

before completing his bachelor of divinity degree with honors, he

was named pastor of Wheatland United Methodist Church in Dallas;

attendance more than doubled during his tenure; in 1967, he was

appointed senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in

Carrollton; he and his wife trained in a new program, Evangelism

Explosion, and they were instrumental in bringing it to thousands

of people in North Texas; under Pastor Carter's dynamic

leadership, membership in the church grew exponentially; he was

awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Asbury

Theological Seminary; after 16 years at FUMC, he joined A. L.

Williams and then became senior vice president of Resource

Services, a firm implementing fundraising for church-building

programs; and

WHEREAS, While the passing of Ken Carter brings great

sadness to his family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy that

will long be treasured by all those who held him dear; now,

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Pastor Dr. Kenneth

Eugene Carter Jr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of

his family: to his wife, Mary Alice Carter; to his daughter,

Dr. Kathryn Allyson Carter; to his son, Kenneth E. Carter III,

and his wife, Lori McAmis Carter; to his grandchildren, Joshua,

Samuel, and Benjamin; to his great-grandchildren, Noah, Grae,

Myles, Eli, Wade, and Charlie; and to his other relatives and

friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns

this day, it do so in memory of Ken Carter.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on June 1, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate