Carter Beshear

CARTER BESHEAR, age 84, Somerset, KY died Sunday, December 19, 2010. Mr. Beshear, a lifelong farmer, was born April 23, 1926 in Naomi, Kentucky to the late Della Merrick Beshear and Buckner Lee Beshear. Mr. Beshear is survived by his wife, Mae Hammond Beshear, whom he married March 1, 1947; a daughter, Teresa Beshear Colson of Lexington; granddaughters, Deidra Beshear Hoellein (Andrew) of Lexington, Amber Beshear-Tarter (Josh) of Somerset, Andrea Lancaster Shaffer (Derek) of Berea; a grandson, Michael Lucas Beshear of Somerset; great-grandchildren, Trennon and Ellary Tarter, and Benjamin, Thomas and Zachary Hoellein; niece, Shirley Beshear Wilson, and nephew, David Lee Beshear; and a special daughter-in-law, Elsie Beshear Roberts. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Lee Beshear; a brother, Clifford, twin brother, Carthel; and son-in-law, Kelly Colson. Mr. Beshear began farming as a young boy, helping his father and brothers, while often skipping school at Naomi. He left Kentucky for a brief period to find work in the automobile industry in Detroit. When his brothers were called to serve in the US Army, he returned home to help on the family farm. He became a prominent farmer in the Pisgah and Oak Hill communities, growing corn, soybeans, and tobacco, and was always visible on his John Deere machinery. Accustomed to working from sun up to sun down, his days grew even longer with the addition of lights on farm machinery and more comfortable with air conditioned cabs. When asked about his hobbies, he always replied, "Work is my hobby." Once he took a break in the winter months, you could often find him at Jerry's Restaurant telling stories and laughing, enjoying some of his favorite things-food, friends and family. Throughout his adult life, he was a member of Oak Hill Baptist Church, Somerset, Ky. The family is so appreciative for the caring and compassion shown by his physician, Joseph Weigel, MD, and to the staff at Somerset Nursing and Rehabilitation. Visitation will be at The Pulaski Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 22, from 9 am-1 pm. The funeral will follow with Dr. Harold Brown and Rev. Gary Phelps officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lucas Beshear, Andrew Hoellein, David Beshear, Marty Wilson, Kenny Beshears, and Jerry Beshears. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Tarter, Miles Roberts, Larry Lancaster, Don Morris, Ralph Farmer, and Lewis Shadoan. Greg Anderson, cousin, will provide music. Memorials are suggested to the Oak Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 2135 Oak Hill Road, Somerset, KY 42503.

Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.