Chester Harvey Carter

Resident of San Jose, California

Born April 5, 1917 – Died June 9, 2012

Son of Frank and Irene Carter (Smith). Chet was born in San Jose, California and was the brother to Alvin and Clifford Carter. Chet was wed to Florence Carter for 42 years. Chet and Florence bought their first house on Milton Way in Willow Glen in 1941. For the next 71 years, Chet resided in Willow Glen.

Chet was raised on a ranch in Cupertino of which his driveway is now Stelling Avenue. Chet attended Fremont High School and graduated from San Jose Technical High School where he learned the trade of welding.

Chet went on to work for San Jose Well and Pump and worked for them for 8 years. Chet then used his welding skills repairing damaged ships in the U.S. Navy. He went back to work for San Jose Well and Pump for a short time then began running his own business, Baldwin and Carter. Subsequently, he then worked for Pittburgh Des Moine Steel Company for 24 years. After the closing of the plant in Santa Clara, Chet worked for PSP Steel Company for 10 years.

Throughout his life Chet was very competitive participating in football, baseball, and track at Fremont High School. The competitiveness carried over to his interest in car racing in the early 1950’s. He held a track record in his class racing a modified roadster at Little Bonneville drag strip on King Road. Chet is best known for his involvement in the racing community for being a starter at Fremont Dragstrip beginning in 1957 later to become Baylands raceway. Chet rarely missed a Sunday driving to Fremont Dragstrip in his modified 1921 Ford Touring. One of Chet’s proudest moments was being cast in the film “More American Graffitti.” Chet played himself as the starter at the drag strip.

Along with racing Chet had a passion for playing horseshoes. This began with his family playing horseshoes at family gatherings and going on to compete with the Golden Eagles Horseshoe Club of San Jose winning many trophies in his class. Chet travelled the state in his later years and was a member of the horseshoe club for over 50 years.

Chet will be remembered for good nature joking around and bantering with anyone who would engage him. Chet was feisty and could remember names and dates better than many people half his age. An avid sports fan he followed the Giants from the time they came to Candlestick in the late fifities and if you didn’t know the starting pitcher that particular day he wouldn’t hesistate to correct you. Chet truly enjoyed the sport of drag racing and could often be found watching the races on T.V.

Chet is survived by his son, Jim Carter (Terri) and daughter, Linda Carter Wallerstein (Larry), four grandchildren, Seth, Kyle (Nicole), Allison and Chad, and two great grandchildren Bella and Levi, and good friend Teresa Thomas.

Family and friends are invited to a remembrance service at 11 AM on Thursday, June 14 at Oak Hill Funeral Home’s Chapel of Roses with a reception to follow. Budweiser, Chet’s favorite beer will be on ice.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Hospice of the Valley or American Cancer Society.