Lawrence Carpenter

CARPENTER, Lawrence Carey - Age 81, of Linden, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St, Fenton (a live stream of the Mass will be available on Larry's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.)    Memorial Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 1-4 and 6-8 PM and at St. John the Evangelist Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 10-11 AM.

Lawrence Carey Carpenter was born on February 16, 1942 to Ralph Newman and Corrine Anne (Carey) Carpenter in Detroit.  Larry was the only brother to three sisters, Lynn, Jan and Cathy.  Larry attended Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak until a disagreement or two with the nuns, going on to graduate from Berkley High School.  He went on to study at Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University).  Larry met the love of his life, Mary Jacquelyn (Jackie) Collett in the early 60s in Wheatley, Ontario, Canada where both of their families had summer cottages.  They were married in a 1965 snow storm. Larry and Jackie had five children and enjoyed every minute of raising them.  Larry was known for taking all five kids to the grocery store, just for fun.  He was the "chef" of the family, although his creativity in the kitchen was not always appreciated by his five small children.    Jackie & Larry moved their family to Lake Shannon in 1978 from Dearborn Heights. Once coming to Fenton, Larry & Jackie opened their home to even more “kids” who became part of the family.  He worked as a computer programmer and analyst for Chrysler and EDS before starting his own company.  After Jackie passed in 2005, Larry's family kept him as busy as possible, which wasn't difficult with his 16 grandchildren and the many sporting events, plays, sacraments, graduations and birthdays.  They were the joy of his life and in return they adored their Papa. Larry and Jackie's house was their grandchildren's favorite place to be.  Larry had 13 nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them and their families. Larry loved his extended family.

Larry loved the outdoors, especially hitting the links and the 19th hole although Jackie always wished he’d stop at 18! Larry gravitated towards the lake, from Lake Erie to Lake Shannon, and randomly floating away on Murray Lake in Lowell.  He lived the last many years on Lobdell Lake with his youngest grandkids walking, kayaking and teaching the kids how to fish.

Surviving are: his children, Judy (Jerry) Ribble of Wheatley, Ontario, Canada, John (Laura) Carpenter of Fenton, Steve (Gina) Carpenter of Hendersonville, TN, Patrick (Allison) Carpenter of Lowell, and Joel (Sarah) Carpenter of Linden; 16 beautiful grandchildren, Dorian, Connor, Luc, Libby, Delaney, Brady, Lauren, Owen, Kate, Reese, Jack, Anna, McGuire, Peyton, Henry & Asher; sisters, Lynn (Ken) Weakland of Georgia; Jan (Fran) Becignuel of Jeddo; and Cathy (Don "Chopper") Lamb of Wheatley, Ontario, Canada; sister-in-law, Judy (Bud) Safford of Grand Blanc; and 13 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie, and his parents, Ralph and Corrine Carpenter.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

If you'd like to make a donation in Larry's name, the family would suggest the American Cancer Society, Adopt-a-Pet of Fenton,
St. John Educational Foundation or any worthy charity of your choosing.