Milton C. Carter age 92, passed away on August 24, 2023.

Milton C. Carter was born June 18, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Blanche and John Carter Sr. Milton was one of five children. Wilbur Charles (deceased,) John (deceased,) Leroy (deceased,) and Mary. Milton was affectionately called “Milt, Daddy, Dad, Grandad, Papa and Mel” by the many that he loved and were close to.

Milton attended Central High School and later enlisted in the Army, where he served from 1949-1952, stationed in Germany.  During this time he was fortunate enough to have been able to travel to London, where he saw the coronation processional of Queen Elizabeth II. Because of honesty and knowledge of the game, he was hired to manage the Friday (payday) poker games, which he continued to do throughout his deployment. Milton was honorably discharged in 1952.

After his time in the Army, he worked various jobs until joining his father in the Cleveland Water Department. He was a reliable employee, moving up the ranks to Supervisor.  Milton was respected and admired by his colleagues, who called him “Mel.”  He was very proud of his accomplishments with the Water Department.  He was humbled with the stability that his employment offered him and how he was able to provide for his family.

He retired after 35 years of dedicated service with the City of Cleveland.  He is still well known within the ranks of the Water Department to this day.

From his first marriage to Margaret Montgomery, were born 2 children; Antoinette Francis and Tanya Sabrina. Two families became one when he met and married Justine Vaughn, who was a young widow. Milton raised her children Gwendolyn (Wendy) and Leon, as his own. He was immediately accepted into the Vaughn Family, as a brother.   From their union, a son Milton C. Carter II was born.  Milton and Justine enjoyed 41 years of married life.  They both valued education and worked hard to put their children through college.  They enjoyed traveling and yearly family vacations were a must! When the children were older, Milton and Justine loved to go to Niagara on the Lake and Hilton Head.

Their youngest child Milton’s life was tragically ended in a horrific car accident in 2001. From an early age, Milton II had a love for ice hockey. He was allowed to play on the condition that his father take him to all 5:00am practices, which he willingly did. Hockey was a big part of family life for many years from Cleveland Hts., youth hockey, to Heights High Varsity Hockey. He planned on continuing his hockey at the University of Niagara.

Soon after the accident, which also claimed the lives of Kyle Barden and Brendon Benner, the Barden, Benner, Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund was established. Milton and Justine remained dedicated to the Heights Hockey Organization. For years, the organization’s major fundraiser, inspired and organized by Bill Benner, was a successful event. Milton and Justine, along with Ann Barden and countless others, worked diligently and tirelessly to make these outings a success.

Milton and Justine have 7 phenomenal grandchildren whom they love and adore.  Damon Carter, Brandon McDowell, Seth Myers, Blake Lewis, Kelsey Lewis, Kenley Lewis and Sophia Vaughn. Milton aka “Grandad” and “Papa” unconditionally gave everything to enjoy his time with all of them. He truly enjoyed attending all of their sporting events and activities. He had no problem being the personal uber!  You would never need to look for him at any game, as he could be heard being the “sideline referee.”  His presence in their lives will leave a huge void, but the memories he created with them will last a lifetime!

Milton died peacefully with his wife Justine at his side, in the early morning hours of August 24, 2023. He was a patient at the Hospice of the Western Reserve, where he received the kindest and most gentle care during the last days of his life.

Milton was a very respected and active member of  East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights Jehovah’s Witness congregations, where he was affectionately known as the “Candy Man” by the children of the congregation. He always had a trunk full of candy for them! He will be honored with a private Jehovah’s Witness funeral service.

Milton leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Justine, children, Antoinette McDowell (Mack, deceased,) Tanya Carter, Wendy Lewis (Greg,) Leon Vaughn, Milton Carter II (preceded in death); Grandchildren, Damon, Brandon, Seth, Blake, Kelsey, Kenley and Sophia; cherished nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Donations may be made to the Barden, Benner and Carter Memorial Fund and/or the Hospice of the Western Reserve. The family would like to thank all who have supported us during this difficult time.