Mervin “Bud” Carter was born on May 31, 1931 in Sullivan, MO to parents Edward V. Carter and Irene Tutterrow Carter and entered into eternal rest on March 12, 2015 at the age of 83.
Bud was a man of faith and had a strong love for his family. He loved music and playing steel guitar. Bud built and created steel guitars. He enjoyed traveling, tinkering on cars and being outdoors. Bud served in The United States Army and has been in the music industry for over 60 years. He was the co-founder of Trinity River Valley Opry in Trinidad. Bud had many achievements during his music career. He was the first inductee to Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 1985, Western Swing Music Society Hall of Fame in 2008 and International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2009. Bud received The Alabama Steel Guitar Association Pioneer Award in 2006. He was part of the Ozark Opry and knew everyone in Grand Ole Opry. Bud was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Gun Barrel City. He was a very loving and caring man who will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, brother Earl Carter and great-grandson.
He is survived by his wife Cleo Carter of Payne Springs, daughter Traci Boggs and husband, Ronnie, of Dallas, TX, son Paul Carter of Garland, son David Carter of San Antonio, TX daughter Jodi Hudson and husband, Jon, of Sterling Heights, MI, daughter Tamara Holley and husband, Robert,of Kaufman, TX, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, brother Robert Carter of Arlington, TX, other loving family members and many more friends.