Donald Darrell Carter

donald carter

May 16, 1943 ~ July 17, 2024

Born in: Cleveland, Texas
Resided in: Bryan, Texas

Donald Darrell Carter (81) of Bryan went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, step-father, nephew, uncle, great-grandfather and friend. We are grateful he is now at peace and no longer suffering. Don was born on May 16, 1943, in Cleveland, Texas to Sybel Marie Carter and Jesse Darrell Carter of Splendora, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry Wayne Carter, his son, Christopher Wayne Carter, and his brother-in-law, Charles “Hoot” Gibson. Don grew up living between Splendora and Houston, graduating from Splendora High School in 1961. After high school, he attended Texas A&M University ’65 in College Station, hitchhiking back and forth on weekends and between semesters to Splendora.

Don earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1965 and a Master of Business Administration in 1966. While attending Texas A&M, Don worked on campus as a student worker in the Admissions and Records department during James Earl Rudder’s college presidency. Don became the Registrar for Texas A&M University in 1987 until his retirement in 2011. Throughout his time as registrar, he conferred degrees on over 340,000 Aggies and attended over 300 graduation ceremonies. Don’s commitment to Texas A&M University was so deep to the extent that he considered Texas A&M “MY” university, and never wanted to leave. His time there spanned 48 consecutive years, from his time as a student through his years as registrar.

Don was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, fisherman, golfer, traveler, “42”, and poker player. He had membership in several community service organizations: College Station Morning Lions Club, and Benjamin Franklin Society – where he enjoyed the conversations of “solving all the world’s problems” during their meetings. He enjoyed serving on the College Station School Board from 1986-1992. Don was the definition of a True Aggie. He bled maroon and white and believed in community service.

Don is survived by his wife of 18 years, Debbie M. Carter of Bryan, who he lovingly referred to as his “Sweet Thing”, sister, Kathy Lynn Carter Gibson of Stamping Ground KY, daughters, Beckie Carter (Matt) of Cinco Ranch, and Jennifer Carter Sealy (Jack) of Spanish Fort, Alabama, step-children, Barbara Cooper ’02 (Nick) of New Braunfels, and Doug Fink of Houston, grandchildren, Taylor Carter, Casey (Logan) Mordh, Jordin Sealy, Jackson Sealy, Jackson Cooper, Evie Cooper, a great-grandson, Jameson Mordh, the mother of his 3 children, Mary Anne Wehmeyer, goddaughter, Samantha Yeager, extended family, cherished friends, and co-workers. All who knew Don knew he had a rough and brash exterior, but in truth, he was kind and generous. If he was aware of anyone in need, he was one of the first to offer support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 5 pm-7 pm. A graveside interment will be on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:30 am at Morgan Cemetery in Montgomery County, Texas.

In place of flowers, the family would ask donations to be made in honor of Don Carter to The Texas A&M Foundation, American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.

Services

Visitation: August 22, 2024 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Callaway-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Center
3001 S College Ave
Bryan, TX 77801

979-822-3717
https://callawayjones.com

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  1. Thinking of Don with affection from many years in OAR at Texas A&M University, and many TACRAO, SACRAO and AACRAO conferences. Prayers for peace and serenity for Debbie and the rest of their family.

  2. Heartfelt sympathies to Don’s family and friends. Don was a legend in our profession and a mentor and friend to many. I valued his advice (which he readily gave) and delighted in his friendship and enjoyed a number of “turf management” sessions with him, Pat and Bennie over the years. My career was certainly enriched by knowing Don.
    Rest in Peace my friend.
    John Hall, Retired University Registrar, SMU

  3. My sincerest condolences to the Carter family. I will continue to “report to my duty station” Mr. Carter! You made a lasting and positive impression on me and I truly admired your ability to lead with firm, consistent, and kind authority. Thank you for the opportunity to work alongside you in the Office of the Registrar and many others whom I still can rely on to assist me at TAMU! Forever in my heart, rest easy gentle giant.

  4. Don was a legend in our profession and the TACRAO organization; in a field studded with interesting, generous, witty people, he stood out!

  5. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I was privileged to know Don through TACRAO, SACRAO and AACRAO.
    Rest in peace, Don!
    Dorothy Kiser
    Retired associate vice president of student records at Hardin-Simmons University

  6. I send heartfelt condolences to Don’s family. There is no question that his death will leave a very big hole in many hearts.

    I was so sorry to hear of Don’s death. He was a special man, a leader in his field – as well as a legend! His imprint on our profession will be long felt. On another note, there are so many wonderful, funny, zany memories of the – hmmm – somewhat older days (not the OLD days) in TACRAO, SACRAO and AACRAO.

  7. The Carter Family: Mr. Carter was the best person to work with in Heaton and I am still reporting to my work station and it is 46 yrs and still going. Mr. Carter was always a person you could count on if you needed anything. My condolences are with the whole family.
    Sandy Wedemeier
    217 Koldus

  8. Our deepest condolences to Debbie and family. Don was one of those people…when he laughed and smiled the whole room lit up. He reminded me of a big bear, so gruff looking but one of the kindest people ever. John loved to play golf with him, and I know he is welcoming Don with open arms to a well deserved rest free from sickness and illness. He will truly, truly be missed.
    The Gelderd Family
    Laura, Jennifer and Julie

  9. Don was a great guy. He was very fun and welcoming when I joined his monthly poker game. Over the years, I looked forward every month to seeing him and our back and forth across the table. I know that he is and will continue to be missed. I am thankful for the time that I knew him.
    Louie Rogers

  10. We knew Don through our work at A&M and golf. Don had a warm,sincere and friendly manner. Our sincere thoughts to his family.


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