John Knight Carter

John Knight Carter, of LaGrange, Kentucky, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on August 21, 1944, in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Reverend John Elias and Rebecca Lila (McAlister) Carter.

John grew up in the Okolona Baptist Church where his father was the minister and is a current member of DeHaven Baptist Church.

John graduated from Southern High School before going on to continue his education at Kentucky Southern College and eventually earning his Doctorate of Law from the University of Louisville. He served local communities his entire career from positions as a Special Agent with the FBI in New York City and Minneapolis, serving as the Jefferson County District Court Judge and ultimately retiring as the Oldham County Attorney in 2022. He was a compulsive reader his entire life, enjoying history and crime drama books.

John K. Carter and Kathleen George were married August 4, 1967, at DeHaven Baptist Church in LaGrange by his father, the Reverend John E. Carter, and pastor Dr. A.L. Meacham. They had nearly 47 wonderful years together before her passing on Friday, June 13, 2014.

John then married Connie Craig on September 15, 2018, and they got to spend the next several years together. Traveling to Sanibel Island was a particular favorite travel destination for them and hiking at Red River Gorge and National Parks.

Left to cherish the memory of John are his wife, Connie Carter; two sons, John Matthew Carter (Julie Farman) and George Adam Carter (Jennifer Schulz); step-sons, James David Buchanan (Sarah), Matthew Craig Buchanan, and Aaron Michael Buchanan (Jamie); four grandsons, Joshua Riley, Justin Nathaniel, John Cameron, and Kaden Alexander Carter; one granddaughter, Addison Taylor Carter; step-grandchildren, Neveah, Noah, Luke, Kate, Brady, and Maddie Buchanan; siblings, Brenda Carter Rupe (William Leslie) and Paul Wade Carter (Bonnie); extended family, and numerous friends.

A celebration of John's life will be held at DeHaven Baptist Church in LaGrange on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11am with burial to follow in Valley of Rest Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday evening from 2-6pm at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 W Jefferson St, LaGrange and Monday morning from 10am until the start of the service at church.

Memorial donations in John's memory can be directed to DeHaven Baptist Church.