Darrel Duane Carter

Darrel Duane Carter of Emporia, died on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at his home with family.  He was 79.

Darrel was born on May 28, 1945, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Robert M. and Meryl Mae Denny Carter.  He married Debra Dee Duffield on June 6, 1965, in Emporia.  She survives.

Surviving family members include his wife Debra of 59 years; son, Darren and Wendy Carter of Maize; daughter, Danielle Carter of Emporia; grandson, Bode Carter; brothers, Ron (Pat) Carter of Independence, Missouri, Danny (Pam) Carter of Emporia, and Kriss (Ilene) Carter of Neosho Rapids.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Dustin Carter and grandson Cole Carter.

Darrel specialized in roofing and was quick to point out every house in town he had roofed or worked on at some point over the 50-plus years, alongside his youngest son for 17 of them.  You could find him remodeling a project house or tending to multiple rental properties in the slower winter months.  For the last nine years, he and his daughter carried on the family business remodeling houses and giving them life again.

Carter Home Builders began with new construction homes in 1971 located on Luther, Henry, and Burns streets which started as a wide-open field that he helped develop.  His own home came before the city streets, so the driveway was angled to accommodate the new road and drainage system.  It was always a hit with the neighborhood kids on their sleds in the winter or skateboards in the summer.  He completed the driveway with a set of steps to match the brick wall so that his mom would be able to walk up to the front door with ease.

Darrel always liked to tell you he was the oldest and longest contractor in Emporia.   He enjoyed showing his support for Donald Trump and was always willing to share his views.  He was a friend when you needed one.  Cremation is planned and the family will host a Celebration of Life on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Lyon County History Center at 711 Commercial Street, Emporia.  Memorial contributions to Hand in Hand Hospice or the Sertoma Club for the Miniature Train Maintenance and ride admissions can be set in the care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.