Kenneth Darnell "Danny" Carte

Kenneth Darnell "Danny" Carte was born on May 31st, 1947, in Houston, Texas to John Kenneth Carte and Henrietta Webb Carte. His mother loved the song “Danny Boy” by Jim Reeves, so she started calling him Danny and the nickname stuck. When Danny was a year old, his mother married again to Kermit Rhudene “Mac” McClellan, Sr. and the family moved to western Oklahoma, where Danny worked with Mac at John Deere and graduated from Elk City High School in 1966.

Danny served his country with valor in the US Army in Phu-Loi, Vietnam from 1967 to 1969, attaining the rank of E4 Specialist. He was assigned to D Troop (Air), 1st Squadron, 4th Calvary, First Infantry Division (Big Red One) and soon found himself hanging out of helicopters, receiving many military distinctions for service and bravery, among them the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and various Vietnam campaign ribbons in the process.

After his Honorable Discharge from the military, Danny attended Southwestern Oklahoma University with an original plan of joining the medical profession, but he wisely chose to pursue a successful career as a Drilling Fluids Engineer for over 50 years instead. His adventures as a “Mudman” took him across the United States and Saudi Arabia, eventually settling in Midland, Texas in 1986, where he maintained lifelong professional relationships and was well-respected in his field.

As a proud veteran, Danny was a member of Woods W Lynch American Legion Post 19 in Midland, Texas for 41 years, serving as Post Commander from 2006-2007 and again from 2010-2011, and was a Lifetime Member of the American Legion and of VFW Post 4149. Danny also attained the level of 32nd Degree Master Mason in the El Paso Scottish Rite after they assisted with his daughter Natalie’s neck surgery, and he was very proud of his membership and service at Midland Masonic Lodge 623. He was also a 30-year member of the San Angelo Suez Shrine and a longtime member of Jester Court 160. He spent many hours in fun and fellowship at all these organizations.

In addition to being incredibly proud of his daughters and grandchildren, Danny was a trusted friend and gentleman who always wore his hat and booted up to “go to town”. He was an exceptional dancer who somehow looked like he was floating on water, and he loved music, especially 60’s Motown hits where he knew the artists singing and playing instruments on every song, and usually who wrote the songs. His quirky sense of humor and hilarious stories kept his many friends entertained for hours at Betty’s, fishing camps, and ranch parties. Whenever you heard sounds of laughter and merriment, you could be sure that Danny Carte was up to his usual shenanigans!

Those left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Natalie Lynch, her husband David, and their children Sam and Jack; and Jennifer Alcocer and her husband Cristian and their children Carmen and Catherine. He is also survived by his half-sister Connie Carte of West Virginia and his half-brother Fred Carte of Kentucky. Danny was predeceased by his parents John Kenneth Carte and Henrietta Webb Carte McClellan, his stepfather Kermit Rhudene McClellan, Sr., his sister Paula Elaine Carte, his half-sister Margaret Cathleen “Cathy” McClellan, and his half-brother Kermit Rhudene “Rhudy” McClellan, Jr.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Jane Bennett and Bert Bloodworth for their friendship, support, and kindness. We are grateful for the time they spent with him, the joy they brought to his life, and the care they showed him. It means more to our family than words can express.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, October 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Ellis Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 19th at 10:30 am in the Chapel followed by Graveside Service with Military Honors at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are David Lynch, Sam Lynch, Jack Lynch, Cristian Alcocer, Bert Bloodworth and members of Masonic Lodge 623.

Following the service on Monday, October 19th at 11:30 am, join us at American Legion Post 19, 501 Veterans Airpark Lane, where family and friends are invited to remember his life, share stories, and honor the memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him with food, music and fellowship on the Pit 19 Patio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 toward one of their many veteran support programs at 501 Veterans Airpark Lane Midland, TX 79705 or the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of El Paso, Orient of Texas to aid families with children in need of surgery.