Joe D. Carter, 85, of Columbus, passed from this life at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at his home on Lowell Road.

Born Jan. 18, 1931, Joe was the son of Paul C. and Mildred Sanders Carter. He married the former Shirley Jones on Oct. 8, 1950.

A lifelong resident and seventh-generation farmer, Mr. Carter also owned and operated Carter Farm Machinery Service and Carter Gravel Company prior to retiring.

Mr. Carter was a member of First United Methodist Church and Sons of the American Revolution, a lifetime member of Brown County Antique Tractor Club and a charter member of Modern Farmers. He enjoyed tractor pulling, having built the first modified pulling tractor in Bartholomew County. He gave freely of his time to serve others, attending numerous work camps with the First Methodist youth and adult groups, benefiting impoverished families and Red Bird Mission in the Appalachian Mountains.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years; his daughters, Elaine Carter of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Cheryl Carter Jones of Columbus; a granddaughter, Shannon Hadu of Kentucky; a great-grandson, William Mercury Colvin of Kentucky; and a sister, Sharon Richardson of Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His funeral was conducted May 7 at First United Methodist Church in Columbus with the Rev. Howard Boles officiating. Family and friends called prior to the service at the church. Burial was in Carter Cemetery in Columbus. Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home in Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Red Bird Mission, 70 Queendale Center, Beverly, KY 40913; or to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Carter family at barkesweaverglick.com.