LifeStoryNet.com

Life Story Funeral Homes®
The exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience

 

Life Story Funeral Homes®
The exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience

George Richard Carpenter

June 11, 2020
Howell, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg

Obituary


Print

George Richard Carpenter of Howell, MI, was a man of integrity, humor, and love. He always put family first and made those around him – even complete strangers -- feel special. George died suddenly but peacefully with family by his side on June 11, 2020 in Ypsilanti, MI. George was born in Ames, Iowa, on January 31, 1941 to Osmer Carpenter and Irene (Jacobson) Carpenter. The family lived in Arkansas, South Dakota, Iowa, and Tennessee, before settling in Vicksburg, MI, where he played varsity tennis and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1959. He then entered the University of Michigan, where he played euphonium in the Michigan Marching Band, graduated with an A.B. in history, and met and fell in love with fellow Wolverine, Lois Carpenter. They were married on Aug. 21, 1965, and the following year, both began lengthy careers teaching for Pinckney Community Schools. George taught social studies at Pinckney High School, where he was the department chair and played roles as teachers' union grievance chairman, tennis coach, and sponsor for the chess club, student council, class of 2000, and Future Problem Solvers. In 1973, he earned an M.A. in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. George had a passion for public schools, loved preparing young adults to be civic-minded, and left an indelible mark on thousands of students during his 34-year career.His other joys included reading, chess, camping, gardening, U of M sports, Jeopardy, genealogy, and music. He was a founding member, the first president, and long-time Music Director for Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney. George and Lois held season tickets for Michigan Football in the late 80s, and Michigan Basketball for the 1989 championship run and the Fab 5 years. After retiring in 2000 as Pinckney's longest-serving teacher, George continued his passion for chess, winning the Michigan Chess Championship (Class C) in 2001. He also enjoyed the finer things in life, like P.D.Q. Bach, Mad Magazine, The Three Stooges, and beating Ohio.He is called "Pop" by his children, Tom Carpenter and his wife Melissa Combs of Farmington, CT; and Karen and her husband Steve Hayes of Ypsilanti. George's big heart, booming laugh and storytelling will be missed by Lois; his grandchildren, Rebekah and her husband Zach, Stevie and his wife Courtney, Micah and his wife Irene, Parker and Rowan; his great-grandson Micah; and countless other family, friends, and students.Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of his wonderful life will be held at a later date, when group hugs are safe again. Donations in memory of George can be made to The Elbel Club at https://www.michiganmarchingband.com/overview . MacDonald's Funeral Home-Howell, MI