Born in Des Moines, Iowa,[1][2] Felter graduated from high school in Tucumcari, New Mexico,[2] and later received his J.D.
He served for two years in the United States Navy towards the end of World War II, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
[1][2] Felter gained admission to the bar in New Mexico in 1946, and entered into a law practice with Joseph Montoya, who later became prominent as a politician.
[2] In 1970, Governor Bruce King appointed Deming to a seat on the New Mexico First Judicial District Court,[1][2] to which Felter was reelected in 1972, and again in 1978.
[2] In August 1979, Governor King appointed Felter to a seat on the state supreme court vacated by the death of Justice John B. McManus Jr.[1] Felter ran for election to a full term on the court in 1980, but was defeated by Republican William F. Riordan,[3] thereafter serving until the end of his term on December 31, 1980.