John Franklin Carpenter, 90, Deming resident went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in the comfort of his home.
John was born March 13, 1934 in El Paso, TX to Lester and Alice (Vineyard) Carpenter, the first of four children. He was raised in Hatch, NM, where he attended school until due to a broken neck from a car accident in which he was a passenger, he fell behind and ultimately quit school altogether. At the age of 17 he bought his first truck to haul hay and from then on, the diesel bug bit him and he remained in trucking for the next 47 years, owning and operating 8 more trucks before retiring in 1998. He was proud of his chosen profession and told everyone he never worked a day because he truly enjoyed what he did. After retirement John and his wife volunteered for 10 years with the Oregon State Parks and the National Park Service before relocating to Deming in 2005.
In 1967 John married the love of his life, Carol Hershberger, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage in January of this year. Together they had two daughters Alice Annette Shaw and Leslye JoDawn (Johnathan) Janes.
John is survived by his wife Carol of Deming; daughters, Kathy of Anchorage, AK, Annette Shaw of Cahokia, IL, and Leslye (Johnathan) Janes of Deming; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, John Franklin Carpenter Jr., and two daughters, Karen Lynette, and Barba Lea.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, where he was a member, at the conclusion of Sunday services on May 26. A potluck lunch will follow. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Franklin Carpenter, please visit our floral store.