Cleton Howard Carter
Cleton Howard Carter, 80, retired commercial fisherman, owner/operator of shrimp boats the Rainbow and Carter, passed away Friday, April 16, 2010, at Healthpark Hospital in Fort Myers. He was born June 21, 1929, to Olin F. and Versie Carter in Allsbrook, S.C.
Cleton served in the U.S. Navy in 1950-53 during the Korean War. Upon returning from military duty he worked for the family business, the Historic Steven’s Oyster Roast and as owner/operator of the shrimp boats, the Rainbow and the Carter.
In 1990 he finally retired from the commercial fishing industry as a local legend.
Although he never married or had children of his own, he enjoyed spending time with nephews and nieces taking them fishing and debating the latest sports and current events with anyone who was around. He was well loved by his family and friends.
Cleton is preceded in death by his parents, Olin F. and Versie Carter; brother, Olin Franklin Carter Jr,; and sister Mary Pearl Jones.
He is survived by his brother, Raymond Danny Carter of Auburndale, Fla.; sister, Betty Lou Mangum of Bokeelia; nephews, Martin Dale Jones of Brandon, Fla., Patrick Daniel Carter of Poinciana, Fla.; nieces, Revere Bigham of Great Falls, S.C., Denise Plush of Seward, Ark, Suzanne Carter of Largo, Fla., Danica Fields of Lakeland, Fla.; and many cousins, great-nephews and great-nieces.
The family received friends Wednesday April 21
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 22.