Harold Charles Carter

HAROLD CHARLES CARTER age 90, beloved husband for 64 years of Carolyn (nee Krecic); loving father of son H. Christopher and deceased wife Kelley who he shared a great sense of humor with and daughter Shari Carter Lundberg; devoted grandfather "Poppo" of Elin Carter Lundberg; cherished son of the late Harold L. and Florence L. (nee Wills) Carter; dearest brother in law of Gail Barnett, Linda Stoker (husband Joseph), and late Marilyn Andresky and Max Krecic; treasured uncle and great-uncle of many; loving companion to his late feline buddy, Shadow.

Harold was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 24, 1935. Upon graduation from Collinwood High School and studies at Ohio University, he served his country in the Ohio National Guard.

Hardworking, he held a prestigious career as a Mechanical Subsystem Test Engineer with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, formerly Gould Ocean Systems, where he was responsible for the torpedo engine test facility.

He was an avid professional hot rod racer from the 1950's to 1970's, starting with an AA coupe and graduating to top fuel dragsters traveling the NHRA circuit. The pinnacle of his racing career was when he became the 1972 NHRA season long points champion and World Finals (Amarillo, Texas) Top Fuel Dragster Champion. He took great care of his cars and had an artistic eye for how they looked and was known as Mr. Clean. He was the proud owner of Lake Speed Equipment, where he built high performance motors and sold high performance equipment.

Harold traveled extensively with his family during his lifetime; they visited the lower 48 states and numerous countries around the world. Their most memorable destinations, both by plane and cruises, were Slovenia, France, Italy, Austria, Croatia, Herzegovina, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean islands.

His love of adventure was not limited to dragsters; it also included roller coasters. He and his family traveled to Cedar Point each year enjoying the music and margaritas on the Breakers Hotel patio. It was there that he initiated his children and granddaughter with their first roller coaster rides.

Like many engineers, he was meticulous and reserved. However, he was open and joyous with those he loved. Always making sure those he loved knew they could depend on him to assist them with whatever they needed.

He was active in his community, meeting many friends through several different bowling leagues, participating in YMCA and AAU swim meets, roller skating meets, and the Annual Concord Days softball games. Wherever his kids were, you could find Harold. He loved his granddaughter, Elin, and spoiled her without end.

When he wasn't racing, bowling, or traveling, Harold was enjoying the simplicities of life with his dog and cats, while watching the world pass by. Harold will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to DeJohn Funeral Home & Crematory.