Adrian Paul Carter, Sr.
July 09, 1960 — January 30, 2026
Adrian Carter, age 65, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Adrian was born on July 9, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Frederick and Shirley (Brown) Carter.
Adrian enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved margaritas, listening to the blues, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, spending time with his family, and watching western movies. A creative and hands-on person, he had a natural talent for fixing things and enjoyed working with his hands.
Adrian is survived by his loving wife, Melissa Carter; his children, Fred (Anna) Carter, Adrian (Megan) Carter, Jr., Jeff (Madison) Carter, and Chance Carter; his step-children, Skiler VanHouang, Sean VanHouang, Seth VanHouang, Brad Jenkins, and Janie Jenkins; his grandchildren, Alexa, Emma, Zoey, Kenneth, Jordan, Ethan, Parker, Dakota, Madison, Karina, Emera, Christopher, Trevor, and Eli; his brother, Bill (Jennie) Armstrong; and his sister, Carolyn Byrkett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jeff Carter; and his sister, Kathy Sutton.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future donations in loving memory of Adrian.
Condolences may be expressed online at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Pamela Cardines
02/04/2026
Adrian you were a good guy Megan loved you so much thanks for treating her like a daughter you’ll be missed very much gods speed to heaven people are waiting for you
Jenny Lovan
02/03/2026
Adrian, I am glad that i had that random conversation with you a few weeks ago. You were a big part of my childhood and I have so many good memories! Jody, I am so sorry!! RiP, A ❤️
Lauren Burgess
02/03/2026
Rest easy, Uncle A. We love you forever. Your life on earth was spent working tirelessly to make sure everyone around you felt loved. I hope your eternity in heaven will be spent knowing just how loved you will always be. If there's one thing I know for certain, it is that God called you home because heaven needed a handyman.
P.s. You still owe me that coffee!
Jerry Jenkins
02/03/2026
I always enjoyed my interactions with Adrian. Chatting about various things and joking around. I found him to be a kind and caring person with a great sense of humor. When my wife Linda worked with him he always looked after her well being. When we had an issue with our apartment he was always right on top of things, making sure we were well taken care of. It was obvious it all wasn't just a job to him. He loved what he was doing and really cared about taking care of people and their needs. He was never just "the maintenance guy" or coworker. He was a friend who will be missed and never forgotten.