Charles Perry Carter, 81, structural engineer for the Navy

BACK WHEN Charles Carter was working as a structural engineer for the Navy, he had to rely on such quaint tools as T-squares and slide rules.

Modern-day engineers may have heard of such instruments, but to do the same work today, they rely on computers, punch a few keys to do the work that used to require a little more effort.

Of course, Charles Carter would have been the last to criticize the work today's engineers do, and, in fact, would have been the first to hail any new development that increases efficiency.

He was a pro. The job came first.

Charles Perry Carter, who worked on port facilities for the Navy at bases on the East Coast, including the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, a member of the Abington Township Planning Commission, and a mentor who guided talented young people into the engineering field, died Sunday of natural causes. He was 81. He lived in Willow Grove and formerly lived in West Oak Lane.

"He worked at Navy bases from Rhode Island to Norfolk, and a lot of his work was classified," said his son, Perry Carter. "He couldn't talk about it."

All the family knew was it involved the design and building of port facilities, bridges, housing and other structures for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northern Division.

Charles was eager to encourage young people, especially minority youth, to enter the engineering field. He was associated with Inroads, a national organization that helps talented minority youths find careers in various fields, including engineering.

"He would be involved in outreach activities," his son said. "He would go to high schools, host career events and tutor students. He got a lot of satisfaction from that."

At the Philadelphia Naval Base, Charles took newly hired engineers and Navy ensigns under his wing and helped them adjust to their positions.

Charles was born and raised in Independence, Mo. He was the son of Charles James Carter and the former Artha Estelle Allen. He graduated from Howard University's School of Engineering, and entered the Army. He served stateside. After his discharge, he joined the Navy as a civilian employee.

He and his wife, Viola, were married in 1956.

As a member of the Abington Township Planning Commission, Charles was involved in reviewing housing and commercial building plans to make sure they adhered to zoning rules and township building codes.

He spent a lot of time at commission meetings reviewing plans and discussing them with builders. Charles used his experience in engineering and construction to help builders adjust plans, if necessary, to conform to the township codes.

Besides his wife and son, he is survived by another son, Wayne Carter; two daughters, Valerie Ridley and Naomi Carter; a brother, Donald; three sisters, Joyce Eddy, Jo Ann Holbert and Glenda Rhodes; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Services: Memorial service noon tomorrow at Ivy Hill Chapel, 1201 Easton Road. Friends may call at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1829 N. 19th St., Philadelphia, PA 19121.