(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)
Don Sylvester Carpenter, age 87, departed this world at his home, on June 21, 2022. Don was born in Pennsboro, Missouri, the son of Henry Melvin and Bernice Fay (Hickey) Carpenter.
Don was a 1953 graduate of Miller High School in Miller, Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard at the age of 17, serving his country for a total of 42 years.
During his years of military service, he farmed, and was employed by Lockwood Grain and Feed Store, in Lockwood, Missouri, Avilla Implement/International Harvesters, in Avilla, Missouri and eventually he owned his own business, Lockwood Auto, in Lockwood Missouri, until “retiring” to full time farming. Don's passions in life were his family, his Country, Bluegrass/Country music, old cars, and farming.
He was very involved in the Lawrence/Dade County communities as his family grew-up, serving as a Board Member of Plew Bible Church and was always on hand for any duties needed at West Elementary Parent Teachers Association (PTA) or Miller School District at large.
He worked long hours helping with the organization of school fund-raisers such as pie suppers, chili suppers and school carnivals, which assisted all the children in the district to have enhanced educational advantages. He was an active member of the Farm Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, serving the community in many capacities and for many different occasions over the years.
Later in life, indulging Don’s love for Bluegrass/Ole’ Time Country music, which was strongly encouraged by his mother in his early years, Don, and his wife Heidi, built a “Barn” and established the Sycamore Jamboree as their living room jam sessions needed more space. The band, “The Sycamore Jammers” included guitars, banjos, fiddles, mandolins, piano, and drum instrumentalist. If asked what the bands favorite music was to play, you’d likely get an answer of “the good ole’ stuff,” which was defined as Grand Ole’ Opry music. All were welcome to “sit-in,” play and enjoy the music.
He married Carol Parsons Carpenter in 1955, (deceased). On November 16, 1996, he married Heidi Gall in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, of 24 years, Heidi; one sister, Linda Bolin of Republic, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Barbara Carpenter of Sarcoxie, Missouri; one daughter, Deborah Shipley and her husband, Bruce, of Drexel, Missouri; one son, Reggi Carpenter and his wife, Leslie, of Miller, Missouri; one son-in-law, Terry Estes and his wife, Sheila, of Miller, Missouri; two stepsons, Klaus Guenther of Stuttgart, Germany and Terry Green and his wife, Jennifer, of Springfield, Missouri; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice Fay Hickey Carpenter Daugherty, and Henry Melvin Sylvester Carpenter; one daughter, Connie Estes; two brothers, Daryl Carpenter and his wife, Mary and Charles Carpenter and one brother-in law, Norman Bolin.
A private family graveside will be held at a later date at the Gray’s Point Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.
