Herschel Paul Carter, age 80 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He was born March 15, 1945, in Detroit, IL to George and Stella Mae Howell Carter. Herschel married Carol McIntire November 3, 1962, and she preceded him in death October 30, 2014. He later married Jenny Halsey July 9, 2017, and she survives.

Herschel attended school in Detroit and Milton through grade school and middle school and was a graduate of East Pike High School. Herschel wore many hats throughout his working career spending time at Pittsfield Raceway, Florence Elevator, Bergman Meat Packing and Capps Clothiers. He finished out his working years with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Country Companies where he was awarded All American Salesman 10 times! Herschel was a dedicated member of the community who was a Boy Scout leader, spending two years as Chairman of the district, volunteered at South School for several years, worked with David Calvey to get veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam a plaque for the Pike County Courthouse, helped to build Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp and took delight in helping his daughter Rhonda bake over 2500 cakes over the course of 8 years of her cake decorating business. Over the years, he traveled to every state in the United States, going on cruises with his family to Hawaii, Brazil, Monte Carlo and the Bahamas. Herschel also enjoyed staying close to home and relaxing at the Zumwalt Campground and was a member of the Fireside Friends Camper Club at Lake Pittsfield. Anyone who knew him will remember his quick smile and sense of humor, which was a contributing factor that earned him the title of ‘Miss Corny’ at the Milton Corn Carnival. He was a member of Green Pond Christian Church and New Hartford Christian Church and was an ordained minister who was often called upon by friends, marrying several and burying more. In earlier years, one of his greatest pleasures was playing guitar and singing with Carol, Glenda and Elaine; and more recently he entertained the crowd at the Cardinal Inn with grandson Ryan with their band, ‘Grinning and the Pacemakers’. Over the years Herschel fought leukemia, lymphoma, a bone marrow transplant, lung cancer and dialysis but continued to be a man of strong faith and remained a good a faithful servant. His friendly demeanor, wit, kind words and tie dye hat will be missed by many.

Herschel is survived by wife, Jenny Halsey Carter of Pittsfield, IL; son, Ronald (Lisa) Carter of Quincy, IL; daughter, Rhonda (Bill) Irwin of Pittsfield, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Amy) Carter and Brock Carter; great grandchildren, Brayden Roberts, Brysen Carter, Brailey Carter, Lili Fox, Olivia Carter and one more on the way; stepchildren, Bill Halsey, Rick (Rhonda) Newingham, Kelly (Kelvin) Roberts and Jane (Bob) Armistead; step grandchildren, Harlie (Jake) Wiegand, Shaylon (Dustin) Mason, Sophia Roberts, Zachary Roberts and Jeremy (Ashley) Holland; step great grandchildren, Ainslie Wiegand, Everlie Wiegand, Lainey Mason, Oakley Holland and Mavery Holland; sisters-in-law, Rosie Carter and Lois Carter; step-sister, Gladys Sibley and step-brother, Ervin (Claudette) Oberjohann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Stella Carter; wife of 51 years, Carol Carter; siblings, George Carter, Helen Johnson, Harold Carter, William Carter and Robert Carter.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with interment to follow the service at Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, March 24, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, New Hartford Christian Church or Pittsfield Fire Department. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.