Arlys Carter

Arlys Carter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his 3 children. He was born on November 25, 1936, in Wellington, Kansas, to Raymond and Mary Carter. He was married to the love of his life, Janice Carter, for 58 wonderful years.

Arlys was immensely proud of the family he and Janice built, cherishing every moment spent with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One thing all his children and great-grandchildren remember him for is his role as Santa. He always had a jolly smile, a joyful laugh, and a twinkle in his eye that made him perfect for that role, spreading joy and magic to everyone around him.

After graduating from Wellington High School, he followed in his brother’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy, serving his country with pride and honor. He went on to attend Ottawa University, graduating in 1961. A devoted athlete, he played center for the Ottawa University football team and carried that love of football with him throughout his life.

After graduation, Arlys and Janice both began teaching in the Derby School District in 1971. Mr. Carter was a special education teacher who touched the lives of countless students across several schools before retiring from Derby Middle School in 1994. Even after retirement, he remained dedicated to his students, volunteering to help them move into their dorms while sharing his wisdom and guidance with future generations.

As football remained a lifelong passion, Arlys proudly officiated games across the state of Kansas for 25 years and spent another 25 years volunteering on the Derby Football Team chain gang—rain or shine—often joined by his son, Curtis. Even after stepping down from the chain gang due to health reasons, he never missed a chance to attend games with family, determined to spend his Friday nights under the lights he loved so dearly.

Arlys and Janice traveled the world together after retirement, visiting places like Hawaii, Jerusalem, and many destinations in between, always returning to their beloved Derby, Kansas. He proudly served his community as a member of the city library board, helping to advocate for a city library, and continued volunteering alongside Janice, giving their time selflessly to others. The couple also dedicated many hours to Exploration Place, where Arlys logged more than 2,100 volunteer hours, sharing his love of history and knowledge with visitors of all ages.

A man of faith, Arlys loved attending church, singing the old hymns, and offering some of the most heartfelt prayers that could lift anyone’s spirit. His legacy is one of love, service, laughter, and devotion to family, faith, and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice Carter; siblings Dorthey Babcock, Raymond Carter, Carol Dean Carter and David Leroy Carter. Survivors include his twin daughters, Becca (Jeffrey) Duerr of Andover; Debra (Geoffrey) Goodway of Derby; and son Curtis (Rishelle) Carter of Oark, AR; grandchildren, Joshua (Courtney) Owen, Meghann Haddock, Melanie (Ryan) Westmoreland, Allison (Lance) Meyerhoff, Travis (Jamey) Owen, Wesley (Morgan) Duerr, Justin (Jennifer) Duerr, and Jessica (Austin Mooningham) Duerr; great-grandchildren, Landon (Lindley) Swain, Ethan and Logan Holmes, Carter and Casen Owen, Ida and Tatum Owen, Mason and Morgan Meyerhoff, Nolen and Tenley Thiessen, Maddyx Mooningham, Easton and Tate Mooningham, Atlas and Evelyn Duerr and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with family is 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, December 19, 2025 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037 and funeral service is 10:00 am Saturday, December 20, 2025 at OneChurch at Pleasantview, 1335 N. Buckner, Derby, KS 67037.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Exploration Place, 300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203.