Dean O. Carpenter Sr.

Dean O. Carpenter Sr., age 92 of Osceola, passed away with his family by his side on June 22, 2022. Dean was born June 25, 1929, in Bristol, Indiana to the late Robert and Arlene (Frye) Carpenter.  On January 29, 1949, he married Betty Felten in Mishawaka, Indiana.   As a young man, Dean served several years in the US Naval Reserves.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Betty L. Carpenter of Osceola and their children Vickie Carpenter of Osceola, Dean (Pamela) Carpenter Jr., and Linda Nichols, both of Elkhart.  Surviving as well are his grandchildren, Todd (Heidi) Carpenter of Pittsville, Wisconsin, Mike (Amberly) Nichols of Niles, Michigan, and Terrie Nichols of Mishawaka along with 6 great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Bailey and Logan Carpenter, Ethan and Milo Nichols, and Soren Sculati.  He was preceded in death by his infant son, Dennis Carpenter.

There will be no formal services for Dean, but the family asks that you remember him in your own special way.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with his arrangements.

Dean’s first job was installing hardwood flooring in new homes built by his father’s construction company and the knowledge he gained working with his family led to a love for woodworking and building houses on his own.  Dean was responsible for the construction of one of the very first hangars at the Mishawaka Pilot’s Club in Elkhart, and that building still stands today.  Later, he took a position as a truck driver with RC Cola before becoming the manager of Patrick Industries.  Following his time in the factory, Dean retired as the Maintenance Supervisor for Robert Weed Plywood at the age of 62.

He and Betty retired to Florida where he enjoyed using his woodworking skills to build custom built projects at their local flea market.  As his health decline, Dean and Betty moved to Osceola to be closer to their family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the any Autism awareness charity in his memory. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Dean’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.