Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 2/28/2006

Leon R. Carpenter

June 17, 1914 - Feb. 27, 2006

Leon Richard "Carp" Carpenter, 91 years old, who resided on M-62 in Edwardsburg, MI, passed away at 7:59 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, while a patient at Elkhart General Hospital after an illness.
"Carp" was born June 17, 1914, in Niles, the son of the late Messick and Birdella A. (Starr) Carpenter. He lived in the Michiana area all his life and was a man who loved to fish and hunt. He enjoyed 'hanging out' at the local bait store with his fellow sportsmen, and was a member of the Edwardsburg Fire Department for many years.
"Carp" was married Oct. 10, 1939, in Cassopolis, MI, to Vivian Marie Smith, who passed away last Aug. 22, 2005.
Surviving are four daughters, Leona Louise (James) Couch of Chino Valley, AZ, Peggy Almeda (Karl) Starz of Vicksburg, MI, Birdella Ann (Dennis) Holdred and Charlotte May Carpenter, both of Edwardsburg; a son, Kent Eugene Carpenter of Kernsville, NC; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents; a brother, Lloyd Carpenter; and a sister, Mildred Stratton.
"Carp" started his life as a lumberjack. He then worked for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. He later became a self-employed carpenter; he also did contracting for the local lumber companies. He retired from Walerko Tool & Die of Elkhart, where he was a mechanic and builder.
There will be no visitation. Cremation will take place. Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in Smith's Chapel Cemetery, west of Edwardsburg. Officiating will be immediate family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the Edwardsburg Public Schools, 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg, MI 49112.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.