F. John Carpenter was born December 26, 1922 to parents Clarence and Ella Oliver Carpenter in Ponca City, OK. He passed away in the early morning hours surrounded by family in Oklahoma City on May 1, 2002 at the age of 99.

He grew up on the family farm by old Bois d’ Arc creek by the old stone barn. He drove the horses pulling a plow at 10 years of age. Later he drove the tractor to cut alfalfa while his father served as a fireman at Continental Oil Co.

John excelled through school attending Jefferson grade school, Ponca City Junior High and High School graduating in May of 1942. John was an Eagle Scout. He attended Oklahoma State for a year and then went on to Oakland CA to build ships for the Navy. John had only the sight in one eye and was listed 4F in spite of being an excellent marksman.

John and Beverly Wheeler Hicks were married in Holdenville, OK on Flag Day June 14th fifty-six years ago. This union made the family grow with the addition of Beverly’s children: Nancy Hicks, Sherman Hicks Dana Hicks. He had two sons by a previous marriage, John Gaylin and Paul Conrad Carpenter.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Bob Carpenter and daughters Lilly and Elizabeth; Mike Carpenter, Sherman Hicks ll and children Madison, McKinzie, Rockie, Miley; Andy Pinegar, Dave Pinegar and daughters Hurley and Reece.

John had many jobs and adventures in California including restaurants and inns at Lake Arrowhead. He worked in the wax slabbing plant at Conoco later being on guard duty at the main gate. He and Beverly operated a gift and furniture shop called Carpenter Square for many years. He retired from Conoco at age 65 and he and Beverly enjoyed cruised and travels in the remaining years including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, China and Japan

John was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Bertha Carpenter Villa and Dana Carpenter Borden brother Lloyd Carpenter and his grandparents.

He was a self-made man who was very proud of his family and will be greatly missed. No funeral services are planned at this time as he thought it was a waste of time and money. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers.

Paid Obituary