Harlen Alfred Carter

Harlen Alfred Carter, 71, of Dearborn, MO, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011 at his home.

He was born on April 5, 1940 to Harlen Brooks and Verda Pauline (Vandrell) Carter in Rushville, MO. Harlen grew up in the Iatan and Weston area before graduating from West Platte High School in 1958.

In 1958 he was united in marriage to Joanne Pierron. Two girls, Teresa Kay and Paula Ann were born to this union. Harlen served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1958-1961.

He worked in the Grocery business beginning at Macomber’s and Schindler’s in Weston. He joined Meatcutter’s Local 576, working throughout the Kansas City area including Big D in Platte City for Dale Schwab, Leo’s Countrymart for the Glick family and Cash Saver for Mike Rowland. He unionized the clerks at Countrymart and Cash Saver. He retired from meat cutting at Muehlbach’s Thriftway in Parkville in 2002.

Harlen served as a police officer in Lake Tapawingo, Blue Springs, and Jackson County Reserves. In Weston, he was elected the last City Marshal and the first appointed Police Chief. He also served on the Kansas City Metro Squad. He married Gloria Zinna in 1970. They were the parents of six children, Harlen Joseph, Gina Gale, Rebecca Lea, Anthony Brooks, Kelly Wayne and Cynthia Anne. In 1977 his family moved to the Dearborn area where they owned and operated a Fitness and Tae-Kwon-Do Center and the Dearborn Grocery Store for several years.

Harlen also served as Pack Leader of Cub Scout Pack 471 and later as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 174 in Dearborn. He was an Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. In his retirement, he joined the Marine Corps League, Detachment 180 of St. Joseph, MO. He served as a member of the funeral detail and participated in the Leauge’s many activities.

He is survived by his children, Teresa Carter, Olathe, KS, Paula Brooks, Grain Valley, MO, Harlen Joseph Carter, Kansas City, Gina Watton, Carmeron, MO, Rebecca Otten, Woodland Park, CO, Anthony Carter, Kansas City, Kelly Carter, Grayson, MO and Cynthia Dusenbery, Kansas City, MO; brothers, Carlen Carter, Weston, MO, Dwight Carter and George Carter both of Leavenworth, KS, Paul Carter, Lansing, KS and Mark Thompson, Camden Point, MO; sister, Kay Jones, Weston, MO; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Service: 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 5^th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Edgerton, MO with visitation following until 6:30 p.m.

Graveside Service with Military Honors: 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 6^th at Leavenworth National Cemetery