Gerald Carpenter

Gerald (Jerry) Carpenter, 93, of Neodesha Kansas passed away Tuesday November 29, 2016 at Vintage Park in Fredonia, Kansas. At the family's request, a cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Christ Church in Neodesha, Kansas under the direction of Loran Fawcett Chapel. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.
The son of Orville Ray Carpenter and Bessie Florence (Webber) Carpenter, he was born in Liberty, Kansas on May 8, 1923. He moved with his family to Independence, Kansas and graduated from Independence High School in 1941. While in high school, Jerry (Tennessee Jed) was a standout football and track athlete, which later earned him a scholarship to Independence Community College, Southwestern College in Winfield, and Oklahoma State University. Jerry was active in the CCC until 1943 when he enlisted in the United States Navy, and along with his four brothers, served in World War ll. He was discharged in 1946. He was stationed on a ship in the Pacific Theater and saw extensive action in battle.
On April 29, 1949, Jerry, was united in marriage to Meredith Lee Greer at Neodesha, Kansas. They lived in Neodesha most of their lives. Jerry worked for Continental Can and also construction for his father-in-law, Jake Greer, before starting his employment with the U.S. Postal Service in 1953. After serving as a letter carrier, Jerry went on to be assistant postmaster and then was named postmaster in 1967. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1981.
Among the many clubs, committees, and boards Jerry was active in over the years included: The Boy Scouts of America, American Legion, VFW, Neodesha Housing Authority, Fredonia Golf Club and he was past president of the Neodesha Lions Club. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Neodesha. Other than his family, the two facets of his life that made him the most proud were his military service and the many kids that played baseball for him both in the Neodesha American Legion baseball program and later Jerry's "Junk Yard Dogs" Little League baseball team. He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed golfing with his buddies for many years.
Jerry and Meredith were avid supporters of all the activities their children and grandchildren participated in. They were true Bluestreak fans through and through and loved to show the colors of NHS. They touched the lives of many NHS students.
Jerry is survived by three children; Kent Carpenter and wife, Nancy, of Neodesha, Julie Labarr of Neodesha, and Kelle Pierce and husband, Mike, of Neodesha; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great children; a brother, Alva Ray, of Wichita, Kansas, and a sister, Lila Carroll, of Independence, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife Meredith, a son Rick, his parents, and brothers Clayton, Elmer, Leon, James, and Donald, and sister Alene.
Memorials may be made to the Neodesha Alumni Association or may be left with the Loran Fawcett Chapel. To leave a special message to the family, please visit www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com

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