1921
John
2021
John H McCarter, Jr.
July 20, 1921 — May 23, 2021
Dr. John H. McCarter, Jr.
July 20, 1921 - May 23, 2021
Dr. John H. McCarter, Jr. has been called a Renaissance man. Born in Utica, Mississippi to John and Ollie Stephens McCarter, and growing up with his two younger sisters, Olive and Nanette, he was captivated by the wonders of the earth from his youth. After attending George Grammar School and Central High School in Jackson MS, he moved on to Hinds Jr.
College in Raymond MS. Early work included Standard Oil and Consolidated Aircraft.
His experience building B-24 Liberators for the World War II effort led to training under Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh at Ypsilanti, Michigan. John declined to train at Harvard in favor of joining combat forces and flew missions for the Army Air Corps in the Pacific theater. He completed his military commitment as officer in charge of the aircraft fleet at Selman Field in Monroe LA. By then he had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and four Bronze Star medals.
After the war, John earned his bachelor's and master's degree in geology from LSU. He worked for the State of Louisiana's Office of Conservation where he was tasked with organizing and compiling geological data for all of the state's parishes, data left unattended during the war years.
He also lent his expertise to the LA Geological Survey and State Mineral Board.
John met the love of his life in 1939, after admiring a pretty girl in a church choir and asking to walk her home. He and Louise married June 2, 1946, and raised three sons.
During the 1940's, John's passion for geology led him to teach geography at LA Tech University, and author several works on LA geology. In 1950, John joined the faculty of the University of LA at Monroe as its first geology professor and established its Geology Department.
As a geological consultant, John championed the rights of landowners.
He was the first person to give more than the traditional 1/8th royalty for oil and gas leases, forever changing the relationship between oil companies and mineral owners. He drilled over 1000 oil and gas wells.
His lifelong efforts have garnered him the distinction of member emeritus in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, among memberships in many other societies and organizations.
John traveled the world collecting rocks, fossils, and artifacts, many of which still reside in ULM's Museum of Natural History. During these travels he acquired several properties including a castle in Scotland and an ocean front villa in Spain. In 2013, ULM conferred upon John the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Through his later years, his remarkable dog Princess was his faithful companion. John enjoyed sharing stories of the Monroe Gas Field he helped develop, and of the many adventures of a life full of rich experiences.
Dr. McCarter was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sisters, his son Forrest, and Forrest's wife Sara.
Survivors include his sons John III and Allen, their wives Melissa and Tamra, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private graveside service was held for immediate family.
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter or River Oaks School.
Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA
July 20, 1921 - May 23, 2021
Dr. John H. McCarter, Jr. has been called a Renaissance man. Born in Utica, Mississippi to John and Ollie Stephens McCarter, and growing up with his two younger sisters, Olive and Nanette, he was captivated by the wonders of the earth from his youth. After attending George Grammar School and Central High School in Jackson MS, he moved on to Hinds Jr.
College in Raymond MS. Early work included Standard Oil and Consolidated Aircraft.
His experience building B-24 Liberators for the World War II effort led to training under Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh at Ypsilanti, Michigan. John declined to train at Harvard in favor of joining combat forces and flew missions for the Army Air Corps in the Pacific theater. He completed his military commitment as officer in charge of the aircraft fleet at Selman Field in Monroe LA. By then he had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and four Bronze Star medals.
After the war, John earned his bachelor's and master's degree in geology from LSU. He worked for the State of Louisiana's Office of Conservation where he was tasked with organizing and compiling geological data for all of the state's parishes, data left unattended during the war years.
He also lent his expertise to the LA Geological Survey and State Mineral Board.
John met the love of his life in 1939, after admiring a pretty girl in a church choir and asking to walk her home. He and Louise married June 2, 1946, and raised three sons.
During the 1940's, John's passion for geology led him to teach geography at LA Tech University, and author several works on LA geology. In 1950, John joined the faculty of the University of LA at Monroe as its first geology professor and established its Geology Department.
As a geological consultant, John championed the rights of landowners.
He was the first person to give more than the traditional 1/8th royalty for oil and gas leases, forever changing the relationship between oil companies and mineral owners. He drilled over 1000 oil and gas wells.
His lifelong efforts have garnered him the distinction of member emeritus in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, among memberships in many other societies and organizations.
John traveled the world collecting rocks, fossils, and artifacts, many of which still reside in ULM's Museum of Natural History. During these travels he acquired several properties including a castle in Scotland and an ocean front villa in Spain. In 2013, ULM conferred upon John the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Through his later years, his remarkable dog Princess was his faithful companion. John enjoyed sharing stories of the Monroe Gas Field he helped develop, and of the many adventures of a life full of rich experiences.
Dr. McCarter was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sisters, his son Forrest, and Forrest's wife Sara.
Survivors include his sons John III and Allen, their wives Melissa and Tamra, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private graveside service was held for immediate family.
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter or River Oaks School.
Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA
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