Gary Dean Carpenter

Gary Dean Carpenter, of Vicksburg passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at the age of 77. Gary was born on March 2, 1943 in Vicksburg, Michigan. He was the son of Leslie and Glenna (Lamerson) Carpenter. He went through Vicksburg schools and graduated from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1961. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for two years. He was a small business owner, truck driver and later worked in HVAC. No matter what he did for a career he always returned to carpentry. Most recently combining his artistry with his carpentry skills to create custom furniture for family and friends. In addition to being artistic, he was fun-loving with a great sense of humor, which he instilled in his children. In his spare time, he loved to golf, and would play as much as possible, as well as following the PGA. His most memorable day on the course was getting a Hole-in-One at States Golf Course in Vicksburg. He also enjoyed being a history buff, particularly the Western United States. He was glad to be able to spend a few years living in the western territories and seeing the places he learned history on, before returning to Michigan. Gary Carpenter is survived by his two children: Jill (Tony) Lindsley; and Jason Carpenter; three grandchildren: Austin (Marcie Reynolds) Keiser, Madison (Scott) Krieger, Bella Carpenter; two great grandchildren: Kaiden Keiser, and Avery Reynolds. Gary is also survived by his sister, Nancy (Craig) Miller; two lifelong friends of over 70 years: Rob and Dan Stroud; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger Johnson; and nieces, Diane Coville. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan especially RN Denise and home health care aide Janice. Cremation has taken place and a memorial golf outing is being planned for the Spring of 2021. While at Gary’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please take time to sign his guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. The Carpenter family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269-679-5622). “You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need”- Vernon Howard