Luckey Jordan Carter I, 76, of Waldport, OR, passed away surrounded by family February 6, 2023, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.
Luckey was born on March 11, 1946, to Vernon and Annie (Calhoun) Carter in Bakersfield, CA, the youngest of six children. The family moved to Meridian, CA, and Luckey became an Explorer with Boy Scouts, participated in 4-H, and in high school, enjoyed football, tumbling, baseball, band, and became a drummer with The Imperials, until he graduated from Sutter High School in 1964.
Luckey met the love of his life, Caralyn, when they were both 10, and her family moved to the area at 16, and were later married May, 24, 1964, and blessed with 3 children.
Luckey became a member of the Colusa Reserve Police Department from 1967 – 1971. He also worked as a Parts Manager at Buck and Willoh. Luckey went to work for PG&E in January of 1973. He served as Lineman, Troubleman, Shop Steward and Crew Foreman. He retired from PG&E in 2006, after 33 years in Colusa and Willows.
Luckey spent his free time helping others. He was a Coach, Umpire and Manager for Colusa Little League. He was also a permanent member of the IOOF 212 – Meridian and served as Deputy Grandmaster, a member of Rebekah Lodge from 1967 – 1994, a member of the Colusa Masonic Lodge 240, and an International Order of Rainbow Girls “Dad”. Luckey also was a volunteer with the City of Colusa Fire Department from 1978 – 1999, where he was honored as Firefighter of the Year, Most Inspirational and served as Division Chief.
Luckey moved from Colusa to Stonyford, and later retired to Waldport, OR. He enjoyed car shows with his ’58 Ford, and enjoyed traveling-having visited all 50 states and loved meeting people. Best known for his black cowboy hat full of hatpins that were collected and given to him over the years, he always made time to lend a helping hand. He was a collector of things and people, as everyone gravitated to his easy-going manner and friendliness. Acquaintances became friends, and friends became family.
Luckey was predeceased by his father and mother; sister, Loene (Albert) Massey; brothers, Doie (Joie) Carter, Vernon Jay Carter, Louis “Dub” Carter, and Rex Carter; two infant siblings; and two nieces.
He is survived by his wife, Caralyn; sons, Luckey II (Teri) Carter, and Kevin (Jennifer) Carter; daughter, Caryn (Brett) Hightower; his 9 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind 3 sisters-in-law; 14 nieces and nephews; numerous grand-nieces and nephews; and great-grand-nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends, especially Henry “Spike” (Sharon) Gies and family.
Memorial services will be held at Colusa Fire Department on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:00 am, with a Celebration to follow at the Meridian Veterans Hall at 4th and Bridge, in Meridian, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Luckey’s name to the Colusa Fire Department, 750 Market St., Colusa, CA 95932, your local fire station, or West Sutter Veterans Association, PO Box 32, Meridian, CA 95957. ■
PUBLISHED 02/23/2023 • COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2023-0122