Merlin Jay Carpenter of Springfield, Missouri went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Merle, as he preferred to be called, was born on September 14, 1934, in Superior, Nebraska to Jesse and Mamie Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Harold Carpenter and Arcele Andersen, his wife of 62 years, Norma Koinzan Carpenter, his children, Michael Ray Carpenter, and Joyce Carpenter Ward, and grandchildren, Erica Angelo and Rachael Angelo.

He is survived by his second wife, of almost 9 years Debra Carpenter,   sister, Dorothy Russell who lives in California, children, Patty Carpenter Hudson (Jerry) of Alabama, David Carpenter of Bois d’Arc’, Juanita Carpenter Angelo (David) of New York, 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Kim Carpenter of Springfield, son-in-law, Roy Ward of Colorado, and many friends and extended relations.

Visitation will be held at Maranatha Chapel 233 E Norton Rd Springfield, Mo. at 10 am Saturday, September 6 followed by celebration of life at 11. Interment will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens at 3600 N National Springfield, Mo.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the loving care Merle received from the entire staff of Haven Home Health and Hospice Care. You were a blessing to him and the family appreciated the loving touch and dignity you afforded Merle in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please donate to Berean Baptist Missions 507 E Norton Rd Springfield Mo 65803.

Bereansgf.org

His services and care have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.