Robert Carter

Robert Edward (Babo) Carter, "the Flag man of Hominy, passed from this life on Monday evening, September 24, 2025, in Tulsa, OK at the age of 77. Babo, as he was known by, was born June 25, 1948, in Hominy, OK to Edward Joseph and Birdean Horton (Peters) Carter. He was raised and received his education in Hominy. In 1967, Babo enlisted in the US coast Guard serving until 1971, receiving the Vietnam Service & Campaign medals. At one time he also served in the Merchant Marines, all of this quite an accomplishment for a guy who couldn't swim. Following his time in the Coast Guard, he returned home and attended Oklahoma State University, majoring in accounting, playing golf and chasing girls. Babo retired as a security officer for the Dept. of Corrections.

Babo met Sherry Sherrill at the Hominy Diner, where she was a waitress. He came in for breakfast, and the rest became history as they were married on January 25, 2005, in Hominy. Sherry commented that their relationship was special because he let her know "every minute of every day" that he loved her; never letting her wash the dishes, saying no Baby, you cook, I will clean. Babo had a variety of hobbies and interests including football (especially the Hominy Bucks), golf and travel. He could often be seen doing yardwork in his bibbed overalls. He loved a good storm with the more lightning the better. He was an avid fan of old westerns, especially Gunsmoke, the Lawman and anything John Wayne. He would often say when he saw a pretty girl "Great Googly Moogly" and whenever he heard someone say BOOMER, he would yell SQUATTER. A pet lover, Babo had a Black Lab named DOG and a smaller dog named SISTER. There were also 6 cats that he often threatened to cut their tails off and hang on his hat. Babo and Sherry loved long trips, once spending 4 weeks on the east coast and 6 weeks on the west coast, until health issues put a stop to that.

He was loving, hardworking, loyal, hilarious and often onery. A humble man, shying away from accolades; was honored by the Osage Co. Historical Society "Heros and Legions Program" in May of 2018 for his "Flags for Veterans" on Memorial Day. He was also honored as Citizen of the Year by the City of Hominy in December of 2022 and was recognized by the Hominy Heritage Association at their Legacy and Wines Dinner in October of 2023. Babo was a longtime member of the Hominy American Legion Post #142, and the Hominy Historical Association.

Those that survive and hold many cherished memories include his wife - Sherry; children Garrett Parks, Tatem Parks and Chad Parks; six grandchildren - MaRanda Clish and DJ, Allyson Martin & Zack, Maci Parks, Ashton Parks, Tatem Parks, Garrett Parks; and great grandchildren Aline & Jacob Clish and Wesley Martin. Also surviving are nephews Doug Lee and wife Angela, Donnie Lee; brother-in-law Gerald Lee and wife Becky, and two great nieces Caroline Ruth Lee and Julie Lee Harbison and husband Will; and Frank Hudson, whom Babo considered a brother. Babo was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters - Ruth Sharlene Lee and Janice Carter.

Memorial services for Babo will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 3, 2025, in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Hominy with Pastor Charlie Graves officiating. Burial of his cremains will follow at the AJ Powell Memorial Cemetery where military and DOC honors will be accorded. Powell Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and services. www.powellfuneralservice.com