Robert C. "Bert" Carter, 87, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Beardstown, peacefully passed on Thursday, May 2, 2024, surrounded by family at Stonebridge Memory Care in Jacksonville.

He was born June 21, 1936, in DeMotte, IN, to Marion and Henrietta (Schwartz) Carter. Bert married Sue A. "Suzy" Linback on October 3, 1964. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2019.

Bert is survived by his children, Craig (companion, Christine Wolski) Carter of Alexandria, VA, Missy (Scot) Frankenreider of Peoria, Raelene Carter of Jacksonville, and Sonya (Jeff) Schuette of Charleston; grandchildren, Andrew (Clare) Frankenreider, Alex and Joe Frankenreider, Annika and Allaina Lawless, and Sam and Olivia Schuette; great grandson, Grayson Frankenreider; siblings, Ruth Swart of Summerfield, FL, and David (Mary Ann) Carter of Indianapolis, IN; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brothers, Lawrence Carter (surviving wife, Nancy of Indianapolis) and Richard Carter.

In 1954, Mr. Carter graduated from Rensselear High School in Rensselear, Indiana. He then served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Japan. After he returned to the United States, Bert attended Indiana University and Purdue University.

Bert began his career in Rensselaer, IN, in farming and construction. When he and Suzy moved to Beardstown, IL, in 1965, they became owners of Carter's Cut & Cover Upholstery. They moved to Springfield in 1994 and started BC Transit together.

He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi, Beardstown Elks Lodge, Lion's Club, a Beardstown Park District board member, and later managed the weight room facility, known as the Schewe Community Center.

Bert had several hobbies. He began his day by reading the newspaper and following the stock market. He was also an antique and antique clock connoisseur and faithful lottery player. Bert was an umpire and coach for Little League Baseball. He also participated in ABC Travel Bowling League and golf leagues; he was an avid bowler, golfer, and snow skier. Bert and Suzy were dedicated fans of the Indianapolis 500, as they attended every year for 50 years straight. Bert loved following his grandchildren in their activities from youth through college. He also was an avid Cubs, Bears, & Indiana Hoosiers fan.

A memorial service will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 11 AM – 12 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. A burial will be held 1 PM Sunday, June 16, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Rensselaer, IN. Memorial donations may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the American Heart Association. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.