Michael Edward Carter

Michael Edward Carter, 76, passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 29, 2025 in Springerville, Arizona, just steps away from where he was born on February 21, 1949, the son of Edward Earl Carter and Marvine Anderson.

Mike was a beloved grandfather, father, brother, husband and friend. He spent his schoolboy years in St. Johns, Arizona, graduating in the class of 1967. He was on the football and basketball teams in St. Johns and enjoyed competing. His hobby was firearms and he was an excellent marksman and was an avid hunter.

Mike left home after high school and attended Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. The only girl he ever loved was Jo Anne McMurtry, whom he married in 1968 and welcomed three children to their little family, Randi Angelle, Michael Edward, II and Samuel Earl were his pride and joy.

The family lived in Phoenix and Tempe, but owned property in Greer, Arizona where they made many friends, enjoyed his beloved White Mountains and spent time skiing, tubing, hiking and enjoying many road trips. He was a proud Arizonan and the family explored every corner of the state. Sadly, Jo Anne lost a lengthy battle to cancer and passed away in 1995.

Mike was a fun-loving and big-hearted man. He loved jokes, good and bad and spent many hours helping others in the area. He was gifted with his hands and tools and could take things apart and put them back together with just a handful of parts left over. Professionally he was the managing partner of Guardian Alarm, a well-known security company in Phoenix. He was also adept at plumbing, electrical work and most other building trades. He loved to work and spend many hours cutting firewood with the sharpest chainsaw in the forest. His 5am morning walks were a must and covered 7 miles daily before he became ill.

Mike’s grandchildren, Gunnar and his precious Ivy Jo (named after Jo Anne) were his everything and being their “Papa” was his greatest joy. Gunnar and Mike were seven decades apart in age, but kindred spirits and spent time doing “Papa stuff” as they rode around in the “big blue truck”, played pinball at Uncle Michael’s arcade, chased one another with the garden hose, flew kites, split wood and the weekly story hour at the library followed by their special red enchiladas at Trailriders. Gunnar will miss Papa Mike calling him his “Workin’ Man” as they tinkered around the house and yard.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Anne, parents and sister, Kathlyn Carter.

He is survived by his daughter, Randi, sons, Michael, II (Kristi), Sam (Amy), grandchildren, Gunnar Carter, Ivy Jo Carter, brothers, Earl (Cheryl), Carl (Brooke), sister, Margaret (Ronald) Parkin, as well as a bunch of nephews and nieces who knew and love him.

Mike would like you to know that “Legends Never Die”. Thank you all for loving him.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.