One of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen, Hilton Carter Jr., has passed away at the age of 91 at home in Columbus, Ohio. Carter is remembered for his dedication to the military, his faith, and his legacy as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Carter was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 30, 1928. He passed away on May 6, 2020.
The veteran’s loved ones attended a small ceremony at Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home in Columbus on May 13, with the size being restricted owing to the pandemic. However, according to The Columbus Dispatch, the entire city of Columbus witnessed a military flyover, and a procession of cars marked Carter’s passing for those who could not pay tribute in person.
“He was quiet, reserved. When he spoke there was no misunderstanding,” said Carter’s brother-in-law, Willie Keaton. Carter was a silent warrior, Keaton continued, “who did not talk his game but let his actions lead.”
“I was very, very proud of him,” Odessa, Carter’s wife of 68 years, told WBNS.
During the Second World War, Carter flew missions with the Air Corps in the Pacific and became an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a renowned group of African-American and Caribbean-born military pilots. He was just a teen at the time.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, Carter was transferred to Columbus, Ohio, in 1948 to what was at that time known as Lockbourne Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force one year later but continued to serve as a civilian flight engineer. He married Odessa, and after a brief stint in Los Angeles, the couple returned to Columbus to start their family.
Carter was also quite active in politics.
He was also a practicing Catholic. At Carter’s funeral on May 13, Reverend Ramon Owera paid tribute to his congregant for his “long and fulfilling and very successful life.”
However, Carter’s life was not without its struggles. Keaton, recalling the racial prejudice that his brother-in-law faced as a younger man, praised Carter for not letting it overcome him. “He set out to change things and make life better for his family,” Keaton said.
“[Discrimination] really hurt him,” Odessa added, speaking to WBNS. “He said, ‘How can you use me in the military? I’m worthy of doing that, but I’m not worthy here at home?’”
Carter was later awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and inducted into the Civil Rights Hall of Fame by the state of Ohio for his advocacy. “We just let what he did speak for itself,” said Odessa.
Ray Schwabe, district captain of the Ohio Patriot Guard, hailed Carter as a role model. “Tuskegee Airmen literally changed the way the military looked at minorities as a whole, not just African Americans but minorities as a whole,” Schwabe said, according to WSYX, “and what he did was part of paving the way for the future.”
Carter loved to share life lessons, teach life skills and offered profound advice to his family. Carter’s daughter, Paula Barrett, remembered her father for his sterling advice. “Always save some money, keep some money in the bank,” she regaled. “Get a good education. All the time, get a good education.”
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At the time of his passing, the original Tuskegee Airman is survived by his wife, daughter, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two other original members of the Tuskegee Airmen also living in Columbus, Ohio.
Tributes amassed on The Veterans Site’s Facebook page after Carter’s passing. “Thank you for your service, Sir, and thanks to you and your family for the sacrifice,” wrote one netizen. “You are a true hero.”
“Your dedication was above and beyond,” wrote another. “We as a nation owe you a debt of gratitude.”
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As reported by WCMH, Keaton closed his eulogy for his beloved brother-in-law with the words, “I can hear Hilton saying, ‘Odessa, I’ve done all I can. My love is forever.’”
“The angels are singing,” Keaton spoke, “and the Father is saying, ‘Hilton, well done my son, it’s time for you to rest.’”
Louise Chambers
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Louise Chambers is a writer, born and raised in London, England. She covers inspiring news and human interest stories.
