David Allen Carter was born October 8, 1951 in Malad, Idaho to May Wren and George Lynn Carter of Holbrook, Idaho. Allen was the fifth son and ninth child in the family. He passed away peacefully with loving family by his side on Saturday, May 27, 2017 in Brigham City, Utah.

Allen loved the outdoors. As a youth he spent many enjoyable hours riding and breaking horses, out maneuvering bucking broncs and bulls, working on a ranch or the family farm, and hunting. He worked for a telephone company for a while splicing fiber optic cables which allowed him to work outside and travel. In his later years he just liked basking in the sun and fresh air while appreciating the beautiful scenery – especially mountains.

He attended school in Holbrook for the first few years and then rode the bus to Malad to get his education. During his Junior year of high school he decided to join the Marines and served in the Vietnam War from September 20, 1970 to May 10, 1971. Allen felt honored to serve his country and to protect the rights we have as Americans. He was presented the Bronze Star Medal for heroic & meritorious achievement and service on December 30, 1971. Allen rallied his fire team to beat back an attack by a large enemy unit. His leadership was cited for saving the lives of his men. In addition he earned a National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation First Class with a palm & frame, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal with two stars. Allen was a very humble soldier and never talked about the awards he earned – that was not his purpose for serving.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Allen competed for the Marines in rodeos against the other military branches. He competed in bare back, saddle bronc, and bulls. He won first place in the bare back event and earned a saddle at Camp Pendleton, California. When he was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1974 he held the rank of Lance Corporal. Allen continued his rodeo career on the semi-pro and professional circuits and did very well.

Allen had many challenges in life and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and other health issues brought on by his military service. He never complained, but dealt with what life brought his way the best that he could. He retired early because of his military disabilities. Allen lived in several different places over the years: Malad, Blackfoot, and Arco, Idaho and Roosevelt and Salt Lake City, Utah. At the time of his death he was living in the Pioneer Care Center in Brigham City, Utah. He loved the people there and appreciate the wonderful care he received from the staff. They were family to him and he was very happy living there – it was home.

Allen is survived by his siblings, Jim (Marie), St. George, Utah; Linnie Horsefield, Sylmar, California; Ilene Luke, Fairbanks, Alaska; Gene, Malad; Myra Dumas, West Jordan, Utah; Duane (Shelley), Lyndhurst, Virginia; Sarah (Rex) Robbins, Malad; sibling in-laws, Dell Dumas, Magna, Utah and Bev Carter, Roosevelt, Utah; aunts, Clara Wren, Heyburn, Idaho and Velma Wren, Nampa, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents; siblings, Stan and Joyce Tarantino; brother-in-laws, Earl Luke, Louis Horsefield, and Santo Tarantino; all of his grandparents; several aunts and uncles; nieces, Jessica Carter, Sabrina Woody and Baby Tarantino; nephews, Curtis Tarantino, Bryce Robbins and Joshua Robbins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 in the Holbrook LDS Ward Chapel in Holbrook, Idaho. There will be a viewing prior to the services from 10:30 to 11:45. Burial will be in the Holbrook Cemetery. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 10 at 12 noon in the Holbrook LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Holbrook Cemetery.