William J. Carpenter

William J. Bill Carpenter MOUNT PLEASANT, MI - Age 94, God called William to his eternal home on Tuesday January 7, 2014. William was born in Racine, WI to Alonzo and Jessie Carpenter on December 8, 1919. He gave his life to the Lord at age 12 at the Baptist church. He was united in marriage to Evelyn May Blank on May 21, 1942. They were married for 59 years. Bill Carpenter was a WWII veteran, he was a Marine and served two years in China. He lived in Racine until 2002 when he moved to Michigan. Surviving Bill are; his daughter and son in law, Peggy and Richard Kreft of MI; Grandson Joshua (Lindsey) Nelson of Iowa, and their children Marshall and Daphne Nelson; Granddaughter Jeanette (Ricky) Williams of WI, and their children Morgan and Sutter Williams; Grandson Jonathan (Emily) Nelson of MN; his very special friend, Rose Huckins of MI, and other cousins and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn May Carpenter and his son in law, Bruce Evan Nelson. Bill was a long time member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served in several areas. He was later a member of Racine Assembly of God where he attended church until he moved to Michigan. He served on the Evangelism Team there as well as other ministries. When he moved to Michigan he became a member of the Lakeview Free Methodist Church and was involved in many activities including church camp which he enjoyed greatly. He spent most of his time with his special friend Rose, they had a wonderful bond. William was a devoted and loving husband, taking care of his wife Evelyn during her illness. He was a special father and a very caring and fun loving grandfather to his three grandchildren who lost their father at a young age. Bill babysat for the kids, built them forts and playhouses, and was an extremely influential father figure to all three kids. He was always there and never missed an important moment from birthdays, little league games, graduations, and their weddings. He had a silly side and related easily to his three precious grandchildren. Somewhere down the line he acquired the name "Wild Bill", and he was known as the most gentle, caring man you could ever meet. He was an eternal optimist who always saw the good in people and never looked on the negative side. His life was a testimony to his faith in God. "Wild Bill" will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral will be held at 1:30pm Friday January 10th, 2014 at West Lawn Cemetery chapel in Racine, WI. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Gideons International.

William J. Carpenter

December 8, 1919 - January 7, 2014