Matthew "Matt" R. Carter, 45, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Columbia, Illinois, born March 28, 1972 in Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away on Monday, December, 11, 2017, at his residence.

Matt was a devoted father who loved spending time with his children. He had a special love for cars and was an avid sports fan.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Ruth Zapatka and Lucille Collins; and an aunt, Ann Bailey, nee Zapatka.

Surviving are his children, Helena Carter of Festus, MO and Lucas Carter of Columbia, IL; his mother, Dorothy Carter, nee Zapatka of St. Louis, MO; his father, Robert (Nancy) Carter of Chesterfield, MO; a brother, Michael (Donna) Carter of Fredericksburg, VA; siblings, Alex, Joey and Emily Carter all of Chesterfield, MO; his former wife, Emily Carter of Columbia, IL. He was also a dear uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many.

Donations may be made to the Helena and Lucas Educational Fund.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017, at Braun Family Funeral Home Columbia, Illinois. A Memorial Service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Darrell Jones officiating.