Lester H. 'Les' Carter, 76

Les Carter, 76, passed away July 21, 2016, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Les was born July 17, 1940, in Granbury, Texas, to Winfred and Frances Carter. He graduated from Granbury High School in 1958, and the following year enlisted in the United States Air Force. He worked in ground radio communications and electronics. Over the course of his 20-year military career he was stationed in Mississippi, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Korea, Wyoming, Montana, and three times in Vietnam. He was stationed at Kalispell Air Force 716th Radar Site (716th RADS) a total of three tours and retired from there in 1979.

He married the love of his life, Gloria Wilson, April 2, 1968, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Les loved the outdoors. For many years he and Gloria enjoyed their horses, German shepherds, and cats. Les loved the Dallas Cowboys and country music and was an avid reader and student of American history.

For many years, he was a member of the Eagles. Of special importance to Les was the more than 17 years he spent as a member of the Somers-Lakeside Volunteer Fire Depart-ment, retiring from that in 1999 only after he lost his hearing from viral ear infections.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Winfred and Frances Carter, sister Netalie Gouyton, and sister Linda Noah.

He is survived by his wife Gloria of Lakeside, two nieces and three nephews of Texas, and numerous cousins of Texas and New Mexico.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the Somers-Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today, July 26, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.