Okey Sylvester Cart Jr.

Okey Sylvester Cart Jr, affectionately known as “Papi” to the grandkids and “Jr” growing up peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 85. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He was a faithful husband, father, labourer and friend. Okey was one of three children, born on October 8,1939 to the late Okey Harrison Cart and Lydia Ann Roberts Cart in Mason County, WVA. Okey joined the US Navy upon graduating from Middleport High School and retired as a Master Chief Officer CWO3 with an Honorable Discharge and 30 years of distinguished service. Okey’s specialty was aviation electronics maintenance. He was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical acuteness and problem solving abilities and was awarded multiple medals and commendations throughout his military career to include multiple Good Conduct medals, Bronze Stars, Air Medals and Service medals for Antartica, Vietnam and National Defense. Okey was also educated at the German Language, Defense Language Institute and participated in the US German Navy Exchange Program for 3 years in Bremerhaven, Germany. He later completed his undergraduate B.S. in Business Administration from University of New York, Six Sigma Greenbelt and Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) from the Society of Logistical Engineers. He earned a M.S in Systems Management from the University of Southern California University in 1984 which laid the foundation for 40 years in the DOD Contractor industry. His service took him around the world to every continent and a long list of countries. He met his sweetheart, Christiane Pelayo while stationed in Morocco where they married in April 1963. Christiane and Okey were married for nearly 62 years and had two children who consider themselves very blessed to call them parents. After Okey retired he continued to serve in his community serving at his church as a deacon and in the Food Pantry; at the Marshall Ruritan Club as a treasurer and Marshall Food Backpack program for kids. He truly had a servant’s heart and loved family gatherings of any sort, planning family reunions and countless trips to WVA and overseas to visit family. He loved genealogy, was a true handyman, financial planner and played the guitar (at one time) and loved cherry pie! His greatest passion, however, was his family and helping those who struggled, especially with food insecurity. His family and those who worked alongside him all knew well that twinkle in his eye and the way he would raise that one eyebrow and smile when he solved a problem or was just doing the things he loved most. Okey professed his faith in Jesus, as his Lord and Saviour and publicly proclaimed his faith in baptism in August of 2004. His life was marked by love, generosity and selflessness. Visitation will be at Pierce Funeral Home on March 20 from 6pm to 8pm. Service will be held on March 21st at 10:30 am at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 9668 Maidstone Rd, Delaplane, VA 20144. Okey will be laid to rest at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico at 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172 at 1:30 pm; please plan to arrive at the cemetery at 1:00 as the burial will begin promptly at 1:30. A Celebration of Life reception will be held immediately following the burial at Springhill Suites at 7921 Gateway Promenade Place, Gainesville, VA 20155. A group rate has been coordinated with the hotel for Thursday and Friday night. Ask to book your reservation with the Okey S. Cart’s Celebration of Life Room Block (code OSCS). Okey is preceded in death by his parents Okey and Lydia Cart , his brothers Harold Cart and Jessie Cart. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his devoted wife Christiane Cart, his daughter Chantal D’Elia & husband Chris; his son Christopher Cart; his grandchildren Annalise D’Elia and husband Ben Lercher, Madeline D’Elia Finch & husband Hunter, Max Cart, and Christopher Cart; and great granddaughter Genevieve Finch; nieces, nephews, cousins and many other loving relatives. Links for donations: Give in Honor, In memory of Okey Cart: Feeding America in Memory of Okey - Click this link and select “open link” to go the fundraiser page Give in Honor, In memory of Okey Cart: American Diabetes Association, Donate Today, Dedicate the donation Give in Honor, In memory of Okey Cart: St. Jude Children’s Research

Okey Sylvester Cart Jr.

October 8, 1939 - February 24, 2025