Billy Joe Courter, 63, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, in Chanute. He was born May 25, 1949, in Chanute, the son of Billy Gean and Joetta Marie Morrison Courter. He graduated from Chanute High School.

Billy served in the U.S. Army.

He had been united in marriage, twice; to Jeanette Chandler, and to Sunshine Rose Hall.

Billy was an accomplished welder, and loved fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and his grandchildren’s sports activities. His soul soared high in the Rockies, to where he shall eventually return.

He is survived by his father, of Chanute; his daughter, Ginger Courter Klotz and husband, Britton, of Humboldt; a sister, Karen Hickman and husband, Frankie, of Chanute; and three brothers, Bradley Courter and wife, Betty, Lowell, Ark., Gary Courter and wife, Susan, Chanute, and Ronald Courter, Chanute; grandchildren, Garron Gean, Humboldt, Ryan Gean, Chanute, Kyle Ysusi, Humboldt, Halle Klotz, Humboldt; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his wife, Sunshine, and a daughter, Season Hilary Courter-Gean.

It was Billy’s wish to be cremated. The family will receive friends for a celebration of Billy’s life at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at New Life United Brethren in Christ Church, 500 N. Forest Street, Chanute.

The family requests that friends consider donations to the American Legion Riders of Chanute. These may be left at the funeral home, or mailed in care of the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com