Leslie W. Carter

Leslie W. Carter, age 88, of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Cerro Gordo. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Oakley Brick Church. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Leslie was born on April 15, 1937, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the son of Charlie and Mamie (Lawson) Carter. He married Linda Lou Peters on July 4, 1961, in Decatur, Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2005.

Leslie dedicated more than 44 years of service to the Illinois Terminal and Illinois Central Railroad, holding various positions throughout his career. Of all his roles, he most enjoyed working as a crane operator.

A faithful member of Oakley Brick Church, Leslie had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outside, especially feeding animals and watching the birds and squirrels in his yard. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and took great pleasure in watching trains pass by, often sharing his knowledge by identifying different types of trains for his family. Leslie dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always ready to make them laugh or break into a silly song.

He is survived by his daughter, Lori (Tom) Van Matre of Cerro Gordo; his son, Les Carter of Cerro Gordo; three grandchildren, Ashleigh (Brandon) Image of Decatur, Chris (Sara) Carter of Cerro Gordo, and Jordan (Brandon) Devall of Charleston; nine great-grandchildren, Luca Coffman, Zane Image, Lane Champion, Lincoln Image, Russ Carter, Noah Carter, Layton Wolff, Ariah Cuervo, and Rhyatt Devall; one sister, Ruby Walters of Cerro Gordo; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Leslie was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter-in-law, Wanda Carter; three brothers; and one sister.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com.