Fairmount, Illinois - Douglas Gunnar Carter, local pit master and life-long resident of Catlin, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the young age of 45.

A devoted husband, father, brother, son, grandson, nephew, and friend, Doug was one of a kind. Doug was blessed with a passion for innovation. A visionary and expert when it came to fabrication. He could dream it, and he could build it. Skills that began as a toddler disassembling toys, quickly evolved into a proficiency working on cars, to a mastery working with metal. Doug had learned from the best, his father, Gary, was his most respected mentor. He and his dad would spend countless hours in their shop building engines, adding horsepower to his beloved drag racing car, and fabricating grills. Doug and Gary had a shared admiration for invention and impeccable craftsmanship.

Continuing on this path, Doug earned a Bachelor's degree from SIUC in Industrial Technology. This led to a 20 plus year career at Danville Metal Stamping, initially working as a tool and die maker, later transitioning to a Manufacturing Engineer.

On August 20th, 2005, Doug married his highschool sweetheart, and love of his life, Robin. Doug could not have picked a better partner to tackle life and begin a family with. They were each other's biggest supporters in every adventure - a true love story.

In 2013, Doug and Robin welcomed their daughter, Maddie into the world. She immediately became the ultimate joy of Doug's life. From the moment she arrived, Moo became the center of his universe. They spent time together hanging out on the porch, riding around on the razor, driving the tractor, having batting practice in the backyard, cooking out at the pond, doing homework, and swimming in the pool. She became the #1 taste tester for all of the creations in the kitchen and meats smoked on the cooker. Her opinion mattered over all. He put everything he had into providing for her, and setting her on the right path. Hard work, honesty, passion for excellence, and how to have a good time living life at full throttle. All lessons he shared by example, chasing and achieving your dreams. As far as dad's go, he was the best.

In the community, Doug was most well known for his role as the pit master for High on the Hog, the family owned and operated BBQ restaurant located in Catlin. His interest in grill fabrication, combined with his dad and brother's weekend hobby of barbecuing, sparked the idea to share their food with the public. High on the Hog was born, and quickly became a popular destination for BBQ. Although the restaurant was a success, Doug continued to work on perfecting his recipes and methods in pursuit for the perfect bite, particularly ribs. Doug was the ultimate pitmaster, setting the highest of standards for what he served.

Doug is survived by his wife, Robin and daughter, Maddie; mother Crystal Carter; brother JJ (Tina), nephew and niece Brady and Aubrey of Waukee, IA; sister Elizabeth LaFleur (Benjamin), nephew and niece Lincoln and Bella of West Des Moines, IA; brother in law Rick (Mona) Krankavitch; niece Riki (Ryan) Schull of Danville; nephews Brian and Adam Krankavitch; grandmother Toby Williams; grandfather Joe Carter; and numerous family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary L; grandfather Fay Williams; and grandmother Martha Carter.

Funeral services 6 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at The Catlin United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Catlin United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards a scholarship fund set up for Maddie Carter

at the Education Personnel Federal Credit Union in Danville, Illinois. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.