Carl Edward Cutrer Sr., a resident of Bogalusa since 1946, passed away on December 9, 2016, at the age of 94.

Carl was born on Feb. 28, 1922, in Kentwood, to Jesse Hardy and Dixie Varnado Cutrer. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where he was student body vice president, a member of the band, president of the French Club and involved in many other organizations and activities.

After graduating from SLU in 1942, he attended New York’s Columbia University for Navy officer training. Commissioned as an ensign, he was assigned to the Amphibious Forces, based at Little Creek, Va. and later, Fort Pierce, Fla. During his four years in the U. S. Navy, he served in the Pacific aboard L.S.T. 1040 as navigator. His service to his country was a major influence for the rest of Carl’s life. He loved telling stories of his experiences and would dress in his dress white navy uniform for special occasions and when invited to speak to school groups. His love of his country never ceased to be one of his strongest characteristics.

After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he settled in Bogalusa, and started working for his brother, Jesse Cutrer, at Red Bird Ice Cream Company, where he became a business partner in 1950 and assumed full responsibility of the company in 1967.

In 1949, he married Marjorie Jean Smith Cutrer. During their 62 years of marriage, they raised three children, were able to travel extensively to six continents and were committed to their church and community activities.

Carl loved the Lord and was extremely active in First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher. He was also very active in civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce and YMCA board. From 1970-1995, he served on the Bogalusa Community Medical Center Board of Trustees. He was also the chairman of the Washington Parish Red Cross Disaster Committee from 1950-1990. In 1992, he was named the Bogalusa Citizen of the Year and in 2002 was honored to be the “Mystery Person” for the Washington Parish Fair. He always enjoyed being involved in activities related to improving his community.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, and a son, Carl E. Cutrer Jr.

Carl is survived by his son, Hardy Cutrer (Lori) of Baton Rouge; his daughter, Margaret Cutrer Tynes (David) of Petal, Miss.; grandsons, Daniel Tynes (Emily), Paul Tynes (Raven), Charley Tynes (Brooklee) and J. Hardy Cutrer; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Bogalusa on Monday, Dec. 12. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa, with military graveside rites performed by the American Legion Magic City Post #24. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home of Bogalusa has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa (541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, LA 70427) or Carterville Baptist Church (1115 Carterville Road, Petal, MS 39465).