Walter Carter

Walter Carter, age 65, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at his home following a two year battle with melanoma. He was born on July 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Lester (Sam) and Martha (Moudy) Carter. Walter attended Maccochaque grade school in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating from Rosedale Junior-Senior High School in Kansas, City, Kansas in 1963. He was active in drama, German club and orchestra. His love of German was inspired by his high school German teacher; Mrs. Mortimer. He then attended the University of Kansas where he continued his studies of foreign languages, German, Russian and French. In the summer of 1966, he worked at a pipe factory in Paderborn, Germany to perfect his German. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.A. degree in Education in 1967. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Kipper on August 5, 1967 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mission, Kansas. This union was blessed with five daughters and one son. The couple moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Walter had accepted a teaching position with the Milwaukee Public Schools. He taught English for three years at Boy's Technical High School. While living in Milwaukee, he attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and earned a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Two daughters were born to their union while living in Wisconsin. Upon completion of his Master's Degree, the family decided to move back home to Kansas. Walter accepted a teaching position with the Olathe Public Schools in 1970 as a German teacher at Olathe Senior High School; becoming a high school counselor in 1974. He moved to Olathe South Senior High School, as a counselor, when it opened in 1981. In July, 1995 Walter took the position of Coordinator of Student Services at the Olathe District office, and later became the Director of Student Services. In 1999 he retired from the Olathe School District after serving for 29 years. In August of 1999 he then went to work for the Blue Valley School District as Staff Development Coordinator. In 2004 Walter became the Director of Professional Development, retiring in July 2010. Walter was a member of the National Education Association, 1970-2010; the Kansas NEA, 1970-2010; Olathe NEA, 1970-1999, serving as Vice President, 1974-75, President, 1975-76 and 1992-1993 and Past-President, 1976-1977; Blue Valley NEA, 1999-2010; Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), 1999-2010; National Staff Development Council (NSDC), 1999-2010. He also served as Teacher Representative, Olathe Schools' Professional Council Negotiations Team, 1973-1993. In 1975 and 1992 Walter served as a Delegate to NEA Representative Assembly. He was also a Task Force Member and Trainer on numerous regional and state education projects. Walter was a member of the Old St. Patrick's Oratory, Kansas City, Missouri. He loved the pool, and traveling. Walter was an avid reader. He loved to tinker with things and was an excellent handyman. He will be missed and remembered for his great sense of humor. He was diagnosed with melanoma in May of 2009. He retired in April 2010 to enjoy his remaining time with his family. He was a tower of strength, courage, and faith while dealing with his cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Martha Carter. Walter is survived by his wife, Linda Kipper Carter of the home; five daughters, Cindy Fine and husband Jerry of Gardner, Kansas; Lisa Carter of Overland Park, Kansas; Amy Fairchild and husband Andrew of Olathe; Megan Carter of Kansas City, Kansas; Jenny Carter of the home; one son, David Carter and wife Allison of Olathe; four grandchildren, Chloe and Isaac Fairchild; Lance and Brooke Carter. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Old St. Patrick's Oratory, 806 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Interment will follow at 4:00 PM, at the St. Boniface Cemetery, Scipio, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday evening at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W. 143rd Street, Olathe, KS 66062. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the Cancer Action Program for Melanoma or to the Alzheimer's Association and sent in care of the funeral home.