Graydon Larry Carpenter, 79

Graydon Larry Carpenter, 79, of Rockbridge, died peacefully at his home on Jan. 20, 2018, after a long battle against cancer. A service celebrating his life with family and friends will be scheduled later.

 Mr. Carpenter was born July 30, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa. He lived most of his life in that area and then retired to Rockbridge in 2002 with his wife, Rita.  

 Known as “Carp” to his family and friends, he graduated in 1956 with an aviation specialty from the Des Moines Technical High School. He was proud to have served in the Air Force from 1956 to 1960, serving as a 1501 FMS material commander.  After his service discharge, he owned a Phillips 66 station and worked as foreman at Firestone Tire while building a home and starting his own business, Prestige Auto. He loved to build and paint cars and do carpentry work.  He was well informed on world politics through all the books he read. He was a very proud member of NRA.  He enjoyed spending time with his four-legged best friend and worker, Buddy.  

 His love for the heavenly father “Yahuah” and his constant and diligent search for the truth stood above all other accomplishments. He walked with the “Heart of David” while on this earth and with his battle against cancer.  He regretted not being able to reach more lost sheep before his departure, but his family was amazed at the people he did reach with the time allotted him. He is loved and will be missed greatly.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; children Teresa Johnson and husband Richard, Larry Carpenter and wife Diana, Melissa Rothfus and husband Doug; step-children Teresa Cline and husband D. J., Antony Nopoulos and Nick Nopoulos and wife Megin; grandchildren Michael O’Donnell and wife Allysa, Bryan O’Donnell and wife Tonja, Katelyn O’Donnell, Matthew Waltz, Braydon Rothfus and Isabella Rothfus; step-grandchildren Ashlyn Cline, Elijah Cline, Arianna Nopoulos, Daphne Nopoulos, Halas Nopoulos, Georgia Nopoulos; great-granddaughter Kayla O’Donnell; brother-in-law “Uncle” Tony Nopoulos.  

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Carpenter.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. 

Ozark County Times

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