Earl "Ray" Carr

Earl Ray Carr, 79, of New Castle, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at I.U. Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born February 9, 1934 in New Castle, to the late McKinley Paul and Jewel Texas (Claiborne) Carr. Ray attended Mooreland High School, just one week before graduating he became angry at a teacher, threw his book at him and left for the west coast. He had always dreamed of the Cascade Mountains and fishing and camping there. Throughout his life, he would travel and crossed the United States 24 times. One of the happiest memories of his entire life was the 33 days he spent fishing and camping in the Cascade Mountains with his son, Michael Gordon Carr. Ray was a very gifted and talented artist. He spent many happy years carving, painting and weighting his own fishing lures. He also reconstructed ancient hatchets used by the earliest inhabitants of North America. He was a gifted carpenter. For his daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Bill Webb, he built a beautiful outdoor patio. Ray could go into any town and get a job. He was well respected in the New Castle area. An entrepreneur, he was the owner of the Battery Outlet, The Trading Post and Trails End. Ray also worked in construction and worked in the building of Hoover Dam. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Ray leaves behind many loved ones including the love of his life, Brigitte, who for 25 years unselfishly and endlessly showed him compassion, love and gave up her own life so that she could tend to his every need. During last four years Earl was very ill and had many surgeries and Brigitte was there at his side each and every single hour, day and night. Including his wife, Brigitte, he is survived by his children, Elizabeth (husband: Floyd) Dunphey of Picayune, MS, Angela (husband: Stanley) Pate of Kirkland, WA, Denice Delk of New Castle, Christine Riggs (fiancé: Shane Whitehead) Phoenix, AZ, Diana Ralstin (husband: Bill) Webb of New Castle, Karen (husband: Patrick) Dunn of La Crosse, WI, Patricia VanSlyke (fiancé: Monty Sewell) of New Castle, Michael Gordon Carr of Tacoma, WA, Ray David (wife: Tami) Carr of East Wenatchee, WA and Mike Ralstin (fiancé: Kelly Guffey) of New Castle; cousin and childhood friend, Dica Bea (husband: William Lyle) Blackburn of Plymouth, a cousin, Grace and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Murl Carr; his brothers, Edward Paul Carr and Glen Walter Carr. With much heartache he was also preceded by his two daughters, LaRai Murl Carr and Jeanette Ralstin. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. You may send a personal condolence to www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

Tributes

Earl "Ray" Carr

February 9, 1934 - September 17, 2013