RICHARD LEE CARPENTER, 69, a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away on December 22, 2002 in Fallbrook, CA. He was born in Beatrice, Neb on July 25, 1933, the son of Walter & Melva Carpenter. He was raised and made his home in Kearney, Neb. until entering the U.S. Navy in 1952.
Dick was stationed at N.A.S. Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, WA and there met Joan Morgan, a resident of Marblemount & Mount Vernon, WA. They were married in Concrete, WA in 1956. Dick retired with 37 years of government service with the Navy and the F.A.A. in 1992. He had also made his home in Dallas, OR from 1971 to 1979, working at the Laurel Mountain Radar site.
For the past five years he and Joan have made their home in Vancouver, WA and Fallbrook, CA. He was a member of the Temeku Hills Men’s Club and the Rancho Monserate CC. He was also a member of the Methodist Church and the Fallon, NV BPOE.
He is survived by his wife Joan of Vancouver, WA. 2 daughters, Richelle Combs of Albany, OR and Joni Funk of Vancouver, WA. 3 grandchildren, Makenna Combs and Benjamin & Chris Funk. 1 brother, Tom Carpenter of North Ridge, Ohio. 3 sisters, Deanna Gifford of Beaverton, Or, Judy Isaac of Kearney, NE and Nancy Johnson of Greeley, CO. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials to the Elizabeth Hospice, 150 W. Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025 are suggested.
Graveside inurnment services will be held at the Greenhills Memorial Cemetery in Burlington, WA on Friday, January 17, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. Members of the N.A.S. Whidbey Island Honor Guard officiating and providing military honors. Local arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share thoughts of Richard and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com