Wilbur "Bill"

Carpenter

Wilbur "Bill" Leroy Carpenter age 74 passed away January 15, 2019 at the Majestic Care Center, New Haven, IN.

He was born November 24, 1944 in Mendon, MI, the son of the late Hubert Carpenter and Mary Altonia (Mercer) Hoffine. Bill graduated from Constantine High School with the class of 1962.  Days after graduating he joined the Army serving 4 years.  Bill was a supervisor before his retirement with Ohio Art Co, Bryan, OH.  Bill was a life member of AMVETS Post #1991, Defiance, and served as commander 2001-2004 and 2005-2006.  He was proud to serve and help his fellow veterans.

On September 3, 1999 he married LaDonna AuFrance, who survives in Oakwood. He is also survived by his children, Janie Avilla, Three Rivers, MI,  Douglas (Jennifer White) Harrison, Mount Pleasant, MI, John (Jeanne) Carpenter and Thomas (Rachel) Carpenter, both of Ft. Wayne; 17 grandchildren; 2 great granddaughters; siblings, Naoma Irelan, White Pigeon, MI, Phil (Pam) Hoffine, Three Rivers, MI, and Danny Urick, Sturgis, MI; sister-in-law, Vicky Mewhorter, Oakwood; and many nieces and nephews.

He is also preceded in death by siblings, Diana Couch, Ronald Carpenter, nephew, Ronnie Ramer; and brother-in-law, Larry AuFrance.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Friday, January 18 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding, with military rites accorded by VFW Post #587

Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM Thursday, January 17 at Den Herder Funeral Home. There will also be visitation Friday from 10 AM until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made to the family.