Joe Dean Carpenter

Joe Dean Carpenter was born December 24, 1942 in Tyronza, Arkansas to the late King David and Viria (Smith) Carpenter.

In 1962 Joe moved to Elkhart and began work as a Bell Boy / Houseman at Hotel Elkhart. Joe cherished the memory of having personally assisted B.B. King and other entertainers.

He later joined Richardson Homes and was employed there until the business closed.

 After receiving his commercial driver’s license (CDL), Joe was an over the road (OTR) driver for 38 years, proudly serving Simplex, KEVCO and ProFleet. Drivers, warehouse and office workers across the country were fed from his cooler and often counseled when he felt the need.

An avid fisherman, Joe and his friend, Jess fished the lakes in the area. This bond became a treasured friendship. Fishing in Arkansas, Tennessee and Canada with his friends and cousins brought pleasant memories.

Joe and Jacqualine (Danner) were married June 29, 1968. Jolinda, their only child was born January 1973. He embraced these roles as husband and father. Besides fishing, Girl Scout cookie time was a favorite. He sold cookies all over Michiana. Deliveries were made in Ol’ Red, his pickup truck.

Along with his wife, Jacqualine Carpenter of Elkhart and daughter Jolinda Carpenter of Indianapolis, Joe is survived by brothers, James E. Carpenter (Crete, IL), David Carpenter (Markham, IL), John Henry Carpenter (Chicago Heights) and Archie Carpenter (Springdale, AR); sisters, Evelyn Lowe (Dixmoor, IL), Cleo Goodloe (Germantown, TN), Sallie Carpenter (South Bend, IN), Christine Carpenter (South Bend, IN), Karron Cockrell (Lansing, IL) and Sharron Davis (Lansing, IL). An aunt, Verline Cottrell (Harvey, IL) also survives him.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Leo Carpenter and sister, Virda Mitchell.

Joe Dean will be missed by many, each in their own unique way.

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