ROBERT TEDDY CARTER
1945-2023
Robert Teddy Carter (Ted), born Jan. 7, 1945, passed away on April 27, 2023 in Tehachapi, Calif., with family by his side, at the age of 78. He suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) for many years.
Ted was born in Whittier, Calif., to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Franklin Carter, the youngest, with two sisters and one brother. Growing up in Montebello, he enjoyed listening to whatever was on the radio and a big fan of Lloyd Price, “Stagger Lee” was a favorite and played it over and over in the family living room. Ted enjoyed music his entire life, especially country music.
Ted found the love of his life in 1964 and made Carol Sue Pressney his wife on March 6, 1965 in Montebello, Calif. Together they raised a son and a daughter. They lived in Whittier for a few years, then moved to Placentia where Ted became a reserve police officer with the city of Placentia.
He graduated from the police academy through Fullerton PD, where he became a police officer. In the summer of 1978 Ted transferred to the Hemet Police Department; he then moved his family to Hemet. He retired from Hemet PD in 1986. After his retirement he went to work for State Farm Insurance as a claims adjuster.
Ted and Carol, moved to Tehachapi, Calif., in the winter of 2004. He was very active with the Tehachapi Railroad Club and a volunteer with Tehachapi railroad museum. He knew so much about the history of trains, and the Tehachapi Loop. His favorite hobby was woodworking, which he was very talented.
Ted was a walking encyclopedia and a master of trivia games. Ted loved dogs, he often said he loved dogs more than people.
Ted was preceded in death by his father, Albert; mother, Nealie; sister, Dolores; brother, Tom. He is survived by and will be missed, always remembered, forever loved, by his wife of 58 years, Carol; their children; William Carter (Theresa), Brenda Maher (Joe); sister, Judy Vanderbruggen (Nick); four grandchildren, Robert Gibson (Kathleen), Shelby Vivanco (Justin), Broc Carter and Jennifer Maher. Ted and Carol have four great-grandsons: Carter, Lincoln, Wyatt and Mason, and one more great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Ted’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Have A Heart Humane Society in Tehachapi, CA. haveahearthumanesociety.org, 661-822-5683.