Donovan Frederick Carter, Sr.

Donovan F. Carter passed away on June 25th, 2020 after a nearly 20-year (and remarkably optimistic) battle with Parkinson's Disease.He was born on May 3rd, 1953 in El Paso, Texas, and grew up in Oklahoma City, graduating from John Marshall High School and then Central Oklahoma University with a degree in Municipal Management. Throughout his career, Donovan managed numerous country clubs across the South and Midwest. He was a member of the Club Manager Association of America's Honor Society and twice earned the designation of CMAA Certified Club Manager. In addition to earning an MBA, he held various certifications, including sports management, pool operations, and food service, as well as a degree in Horticultural Management with a specialization in Golf Course Management. His continuing education also involved onsite studies at both the Cornell School of Hotel Management in Ithaca, New York and the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York. In addition to this extensive professional training, Donovan had a talent for diplomacy and was admired for his ability to patiently deal with difficult clientele. He rarely spoke ill of anyone, even if they'd just been complaining (loudly) about the way their napkin had been folded. He had a gift for making everyone feel heard and respected, whether they be the president of the board or the dishwasher. In an Upstairs/Downstairs world, he hovered on the staircase and could easily move from one floor to another. The best kind of boss, he never asked you to do something he wasn't also willing to do himself. Though he was always wearing a suit (or tux!) he'd never hesitate to jump in when things got busy…bussing a table, delivering a drink, or filling an ice bucket for the bartender.A member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, Donovan was a foodie who delighted in restaurants of all kinds – from a local burger joint to the latest James Beard Award winner in Manhattan. His children would attest that his own cooking could be hit or miss…his scrambled eggs were barely edible and he could ruin a PB&J, but his Steak Diane was absolutely to die for.Donovan was an avid sports fan, and (in his younger days) an athlete who annoyingly picked up all sports with ease. Though he rarely had the time to indulge, he was an excellent golfer: a 5-handicap when well-practiced. With a Texan mother and a Bostonian father, he was as enthusiastic about the Rangers and the Cowboys as he was the Patriots and the Red Sox. It was a dream come true for him when Oklahoma City got its own professional sports team and he spent his final years cheering on the Thunder.He was an active member of several Catholic Churches and community organizations, including his local Rotary Clubs and the Masons.Don enjoyed music (especially karaoke), movies, and embarrassing his children – all of whom would give anything to experience one more ride to school with the dad who wore pajamas, refused to brush his hair, and cranked up the Whitesnake during drop-offs. Donovan was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Louise Carter, as well as his niece, Meredith Litsey. He is survived by his children Patricia Carter (Kenneth) Kristensen, John Carter, Megan Carter, and Donovan Carter, Jr.; four grandchildren, Erik Carter, Kellen Castle, Ryan Ashe, and Walker Kristensen; sister Elaine (Rick) Litsey and nephew Brian Litsey.The entire family would like to thank his many medical caregivers and hospice workers who enabled him to thrive as long as he did, and who acknowledged the gentle soul hidden beneath the deluge of Parkinson's symptoms that affected his brain and his body. A service will be held at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home on July 7th at 2pm, followed by a Catholic burial at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox foundation at michaeljfox.org. Additionally, if you wish to honor Donovan, please do a kind deed for someone else, and/or vote to ensure that all Americans have equal access to quality health care.