Kent, raised in Hollis, Oklahoma, near both sides of his extended family, described his childhood as “magical”. He recounted helping his dad at the family grocery store, farm work with cousins, and baseball on hot summer nights. At 14, his family moved to Norman, and he wasted no time signing up, showing up, participating, and volunteering. He played baseball, football, and drums for the Norman Tigers, served as President of OU’s Lambda Chi fraternity, coached countless soccer and soft/baseball teams, led the Mighty Men Bible study for neighborhood boys, volunteered as a deacon and elder at Alameda Church of Christ most of his adult life, and served as President for the Center for Children and Families. Kent thrived in the outdoors as a runner then hiker and gardener.
Kent received a BBA and MPA from the University that hosts his favorite football team—the Oklahoma Sooners. He remained a leader throughout his career in mortgage banking. He served as President of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association, founder and emcee to OWNOK Oklahoma’s first cross-industry real estate conference, and Commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission on Consumer Credit. Kent was dedicated to Leadership Oklahoma and Toastmasters, always inviting and encouraging others to join. He was a life-long learner with a tenacity for knowledge of people, places, and ideas.
Kent’s greatest joy drew from social connection. He danced at weddings, sang to his children, and hugged generously. Kent lived by the words “peace and joy”. He mentored many and spent days-upon-days visiting the homebound, hospitalized, and grieving families. He was unmatched.
Kent is preceded in death by his parents, Dorma and James “Doyle” Carter, and father-in-law GD Carrick. He is survived by his lifelong friend and wife of 42 years, Kelcie Carrick Carter; daughters Carrick Carter, PsyD, Claire Carter Bailey, JD; son following in his footsteps in business and life Grady Kent Carter, Realtor; sons-in-law Jonathan and Robert, daughter-in-law Mallory; grandchildren Eva, James and Hollis (who lived for adventures with their Pop); sister Carol Stegner of Wichita Falls, TX, brother Bob Carter of Edmond, and their families; mother-in-law Virginia Carrick; and so many deeply loved friends and relatives.
On April 10th, join a celebration of Kent’s life the day after his 70th birthday. Check back here at the end of March for details, in the meantime, please share a story of Kent by clicking the following link http://bit.ly/Kent-Carter-Videos.
To contribute to the Kent Carter Servant Leader Fund, visit https://donate.occf.org/ and reference "Kent Carter" so your contribution will benefit future servant leaders in his honor.
May we all love like Kent.
#LoveLikeKent
