Travis Carter Obituary

Major Travis Leo Carter, 37

It is with devastated hearts that we announce the passing of Travis Carter on Oct. 11, 2025. He was born in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 25, 1987. Travis was a devoted husband to his best friend, Brandolyn (Haney) and a loving father to his little heartbeats-Scarlett, Lucy and Zayn. He leaves behind his sister, Rachel (Robert) Peters; nieces, Marlee, Lily and Quinn; nephew, Bentley; in-laws, Michael, Marsha, Brittany, Steele, Nelson and Joey; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth (Sparks) Carter; father, Curtis Allen Carter; and sister-in-law, Casey (Haney) Cushingberry-but not Snickers, the elderly family Shih Tzu.
Although his time on earth was prematurely cut short, Travis lived a full and extraordinary life. He began his education at the University of Kentucky, but an unfortunate GPA led him back home. With self-reflection-and a solid nudge from his father-Travis attended Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and successfully completed his bachelor's degree. After graduation, he attended pilot training in Enid, Okla. (T-6 Aircraft) and Little Rock, Ark. (C-130H and C-130J). Upon returning, he was honored to fulfill his dream of flying for the Kentucky Air National Guard, where he served 18 years in the military. Between 2009 and 2020, he was heroically deployed five times (Afghanistan, Ali Al Salem/Kuwait and Qatar). Our thrill-seeker had many talents hidden behind his piercing blue eyes. He was the king of dad jokes. He loved to spark a triggering conversation between two opposing views-then leave the room. He could find that one pet peeve of yours and fire it up. He found the positive in every situation. His diagnosis let him get away with what he called a "killer 'stache" and first dibs on anything that was up for grabs. He could imitate Chewbacca better than the tall, hairy Wookiee himself. His memory was impeccable- Travis won the hearts of Brandi's family by memorizing over 30 of her family members' names the first time he met them and by scoring hundreds of dollars for his future father-in-law. Travis was an inspiration to so many and was remarkably even keeled. He fought cancer with dignity, bravery, positivity and so much strength. Travis never once complained about the unfair journey he faced but instead felt sorry for others who had to endure the same disease. Per his wishes, he wants us to travel the world, laugh more and love one another-as he did so many others.
Funeral services were held at Ratterman's Funeral Home in Louisville on October 15. Travis was laid to rest at Cave Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars at VFW.org. This organization provides programs and services that support veterans, service members, and their families.