Paul Breckenridge Cartter

Paul Breckenridge Cartter 

“TWO T” 

Paul passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on August 5, 2024. He had a life full of adventure and was blessed with many dear friends along the way. 

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana December 10, 1953, to Lt. Col. William and Phyllis Cartter. The family was then stationed in Waco, Texas. His adventures led him to Tucson, Arizona where he graduated from Catalina High School in 1971. He soon joined the United States Air Force, where he became ammunitions expert and taught ammunitions in Aurora, Colorado after serving TDY at Udorn Airbase in Thailand. He was then transferred to Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It was there Paul became a door gunner with Special Ops 20th SOS “Green Hornets”. In January of 1984 his helicopter crashed in the ocean while on a mission. He lost his entire crew, and Paul was rendered a paraplegic that night. After being medically discharged as a T.Sgt., he returned to Tucson where he worked at Tucson General Hospital while working to overcome his spinal injuries. The doctors had told his family that he would never walk again, but I guess they forgot to tell Paul. He bought a place in Catalina, Arizona and set about training his dogs for Search & Rescue with SARA. He and his dogs helped save many and comfort many more. 

He was a long-standing member of the Elks Club, B.P.O.E. Catalina Mountain Lodge #2815. He was an active participant in the Paralyzed Veterans of America Wheelchair Games for many years. He was always there any time anyone needed help, and he never met a stranger. The world lost a good, good man on August 5, 2024. 

Paul was preceded in death by both parents and his sister Mudgie. He is survived by his dogs Thor & Millie, sister Maureen “Mo” Hawxhurst, brother Bill (Diane) Cartter and sister Mary Cartter. Nephews John (Laura) Henkel, William H.H. (Amanda) Cartter III, nieces Courtney (Steve) Austin and Danielle (Jeff) Petersen and many grand nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; as well as his best friend Greg Hourscht. Over the past sad days, we have learned that he left behind many, many dear friends as well. We don’t think there’s anyone who wasn’t proud to be a friend of Paul Cartter. We love you and will miss you terribly dear Paul. Godspeed. 

*In Lieu of Flowers, Donations can be made in Paul's name, to the Paralyzed Veterans OF America ~ pva.org