Ryan Christopher Carter

It is with great sadness that the family of Ryan Christopher Carter announces his passing after a courageous fight with cancer, on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at the age of 32 years. Ryan's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. He was born November 1, 1978 in Bloomington to Larry and Sarah Axsom Carter. Ryan was a 1997 graduate of Bloomington High School North and received his Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation in 2004 from Indiana University. Ryan spent time working as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with special needs adults and Special Olympics. The majority of Ryan's professional career was spent in the hospitality and food service industry working for the Fourwinds Resort and Marina on Lake Monroe, University Place Hotel and Conference Center on the campus of IUPUI, and as General Manager of Five Guys in Carmel. Ryan will be lovingly remembered forever by his wife Kimberly Wilkeson Carter of Indianapolis, whom he leaves behind. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Carter. He is survived by his loving mother, Sarah Axsom Carter and her fiancee Dennis Siscoe of Bloomington; devoted brother Greg Carter of Bloomington; cherished grandmother Martha Axsom of Bloomington; treasured mother and father in-law Gloria and Robert Wilkeson of Granger, Indiana; as well as an uncle, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephew; along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him. Ryan was a member of the South Union Christian Church. Ryan possessed a truly inquisitive nature and was an avid reader. He loved working out, golfing, hiking (often times with his dog of 13 years Who-Dini), fishing and hunting. He enjoyed his Playstation, watching movies, listening to music (in particular Jimmy Buffet), and spending time in Key West Florida. Ryan was also a Cubs fan who loved bicycling and in 2010 completed Ride Across Indiana (RAIN), 160 miles in one day. He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed being with his family, laughing, and having fun with friends. A Funeral Service in memory of Ryan will be held Tuesday, July 5, at 11:00AM, at the Allen Funeral Home, 4155 South Old Highway 37, Bloomington, with Rev. Jimmy Cain officiating. Visitation will be held the same day from 10:00AM until the time of service. Interment will follow in the family plot at Clover Hill Cemetery. A gathering to celebrate and remember Ryan's life will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 4:00PM until 8:00PM at the Allen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Ryan to the Special Olympics. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Ryan Christopher Carter

November 1, 1978 - July 2, 2011