I spent the majority of my formative life through college as both a camper and staff member until I graduated college(75-92) and it was time to put that UT education to work and set the world on fire, since I was sure I knew it all at 22. This was back before the internet, everyone in Austin knew and cared for one another, and all that was needed to get things done was a little drive, a little luck,  a little "horse sense" and a man's word that was backed up with meaningful action and integrity.   Carter, you make me think back and smile on those days.  Thank you for your service to this country and reminding us all for a moment what sacrifice really is and what this country stands for, and its importance in the world.  Thank you for your strong leadership, presence and sense of community for building and sustaining Doublecreek for your grandchildren's legacy and for generations of families.  Thank you for your fellowship, wholesomeness , patience, and oversight  for creating a positive/uplifting, safe and secure home for children to challenge themselves to do/be better than they think they are or can do.  The lessons and behaviors taught and demonstrated at Doublecreek have blessed us all by teaching values, civility, morality and basic decency in interacting with others in a thoughtful way, which seems to be in short supply in an automated, self-servicing and process-centric world.  I am blessed as so many of us are,  to have these gifts as my personal foundation for success in life, and finding a safety net in times of need/levity in difficult times.

My prayers are with the family at the time of their lost.  Carter was a great person and his smile would light up the office when he came for his appts.  My heart is sad and my eyes are filled with tears but i know that he is not suffering anymore and he is in a better place.  I will truly miss seeing him in the office.

I have such happy memories of Uncle Carter and Camp Doublecreek.  Riding the green monster to camp and having Uncle Carter as our bus driver and song leader was great.  What I remember most vividly is getting to drive his 1957 step-side chevy down to the dumpster to throw away the lunch trash.  And getting to drive the old standard buses down the dirt road to fill them up with gas for the afternoon drives home.  I would circle the buses in the driveway and I felt so honored to have this job as a 14 year old.  At the 40th anniversary celebration of Doublecreek, I asked Uncle C. if he ever worried that I would hurt myself or run over a group of campers.  He paused for a second and then said, "No...never crossed my mind."  His trust in me early on shaped who I grew up to be and I will be forever grateful for Uncle C. and my time at Doublecreek.  Uncle Carter- your life was like a song that we didn't want to end.  But your song lives on in all of us.

We are grateful for Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy for all that Camp Doublecreek gave to our kids' lives.  We will forever have "In 1814 we took a little trip ..." branded in our musical memories, but life lessons of courtesy and honor are much deeper.  Wayne & Nancy Wedemeyer

Dear Aunt Trudy & Family:
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Carter!
I knew both of you not only as a camper (in my younger years), but also as friends and neighbors.  You two helped me during some trying times, and for that, I am truly grateful! Uncle Carter will surely be missed!

Uncle Carter - YOU are a blessing from God!  I am so grateful to have known you as a camper and counselor for so many years. You and Aunt Trudy are still part of our family and Pam and I cherish all of our years with you.  Thank you for teaching us all to work hard and be kind in all we do (and have a little fun too!). Peace be with you and your family.

Summertime meant happiness for my brother and I because we were able to spend it with Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy.  What an amazing person to do so much good in one lifetime.  I'm forever grateful for the time I spent with Uncle Carter.  Much love and prayers to Trudy and her family.

I attended Camp Doublecreek as an awkward 14 year old girl ('78). Some ten years later I signed up my son, then a 4 year old ('88), he attended Camp Doublecreek for the next 10 years. Some 15 years after my son, I  signed up my 4 year old granddaughter for her first summer at Camp Doublecreek (2013); I learned the very day I enrolled my granddaughter, Uncle Carter finished his race. 2 Timothy 4:7 
Angels are rejoicing as the ones left to carry on may be given Grace and Peace. Thank you.

Uncle Carter , you were lit up my life as a camper with your warmth and song for so many years , remembering Whitlow's white bus , Karen Culver playing guitar in the back seats, Lee Willis, Scott and Shaun Bard and all the other counselors and campers that you molded into the people we are today with you and Aunt Trudy's special brand of love . Being raised by a single mom Doublecreek was the family I always longed for and I will be forever grateful , love Bobby Hilton now Justin Hilton , Austin, tx

Carter, thanks for being a mentor and friend for 57 years.  You were my district manager for the Austin American Statesmen when I was a newspaper carrier from age 12 to 17. 

My son Mike and daughter both attended Camp Doublecreek, as well as nieces Christine and Jennifer.

Yours is an example of a life very well lived, thanks for all you did for so many.  Our prayers and loving thoughts to Aunt Trudy and all  your wonderful family. 

John Yokie, Farmington, NM (formally from Austin)

I'm so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mourning the loss of your previous Dad. Keeping your family in our prayers.
  Jim and Carye Bebee Gillen

Thank you, Carter, for your service to our country.

Uncle Carter was a huge part of my life every summer for so many years, as both a camper and a counselor at Camp Doublecreek. He blessed my life in so many ways and I am so thankful to have known him.  I am also thankful that I always knew he loved Jesus and I pray his family finds comfort that this is only a temporary separation and they will be together again in heaven. I am forever changed for having him in my life, thank you, Lord.

Aunt Trudy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and Jane.  I have such very found memories of going to "Doublecreek Farm" now Camp Doublecreek, as a child.  Uncle Carter was such a patient, kind, funny and endearing man.  Thank you both for the wonderful memories and teaching me such great values.  Love to you all.  Karen Culver Baldwin

We are so sorry for your loss and pray for God's comfort and peace during this time. Prayers and Hugs from the Wolffs.
   Herb, Pat, and David

Although I only knew him as our founder of our wonderful camp, he has brought joy to everyone. Camp will be very different without him. God bless Trudy and the whole family through these sad times.
    Camper Alexis pence

 I looked forward to summers as a kid because it meant going to Doublecreek. Thank you Uncle Carter and prayers to your family.

Our son Greg spent many summers at Doublecreek. Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy established a wonderful camp which enriched the lives and brought much joy to many young people. Thank you!  Our sincere sympathy to your entire family.

OBITUARY

Carter Lester

30 March, 1926 – 12 March, 2013

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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