Neil Carpenter Jr.

Neil was born on November 1st, 1947, in Danville Kentucky to his loving parents Elbert Sr. and Margaret Carpenter. Neil was a military brat, so he moved around a lot growing up. For the first 10 years of his life, he was an only child till his parents adopted his brother Jim. Jim passed June 2011.

Neil graduated from Fort Campbell High in Fort Campbell Kentucky. To which a year later at age of 19 Neil decided to join the US NAVY and was stationed in Norfolk Virginia. After proudly serving 2 years active duty and 3 years reserved, he was honorably discharged and moved to San Diego to work full time in Veterans Administration while attending Mesa College and San Diego Sate University. In 1973, Neil graduated with his degree in Behavioral Science.

In 1974, Neil graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy to which he worked as a Patrol Officer in the Foothill Division. Even though he longed to be home in San Diego the SDPD was not hiring then so he remained in with the LAPD to gain that year experience.

After the year with the LAPD, He moved back to San Diego in 1975. Where he then fulfilled his career working for the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Marshals and retired from San Diego Sheriffs department.

Neil was a proud father to his two beautiful daughters. Catherine was born in 1982 and shortly after Jamie was born in 1983. For 10 years they lived in Lemon Grove, CA before moving to Idaho in 1991.

From 1991 – 1996, Neil worked for Kootenai County Corrections of Idaho. After working there for 5 years he moved back to Lemon Grove, CA to pursue better career opportunities in Law Enforcement in San Diego County.

Between 1996 – 2006, Neil was then hired back with the San Diego County Sheriffs when he moved back. During those years he also worked as a bailiff at the Chula Vista and Downtown Courthouse.

Neil had numerous awards, certificates and training which made him the honorable and respected man he was. Neil was presented with the San Diego County Marshals Lifesaving Award for his heroic act of saving a fellow Attorneys life in a Court Room.

In 2002, while still working in the Chula Vista Court house Neil met the love of his life Irma aka his Mimi. Neil would simply greet her each morning till he took the leap of faith and invited her to dinner on his birthday. After that date they were inseparable, and he knew he wanted to marry her. He proposed after 6 months of dating, and they then married in 2003 on his birthday November 1ST.

Irma’s children Cesar , Monique and Janell welcomed him with open arms and loved him dearly for being such amazing loving husband to their mother. He always treated them like his own.

In 2005, Neil and Irma moved to San Ysidro. Neil then retired in November of 2006, but went back to work part time for 12 years since they were so short staffed. 2018, Neil made his retirement official.

Neil was a very outgoing friendly person. But nevertheless, we all have that one best friend that has been there from early adulthood to present. Bill Stalmer was his best friend they were always active through the years. They loved to spend time playing sports together, camping, taking road trips and attending local events, ride motorcycles, and went shooting often, among other activities.

Neil was the true definition of a cowboy, when it came to his passion for guns. Neil loved competitive cowboy shooting and was so good that is where he earned his name “LEAD DEALER”.

He was also a proud member of Deputy Sheriffs Retirement Association, VFW Barrio Logan Chapter, Single Action Shooting Society and served as an usher at their church Bonita Valley Community Church.

Neil loved a good deal even when it came to restaurants, he would always get there special and would insist that everyone else dinning with him do the same. But one thing no matter how much he ate he would always save room for his desserts. He loved his chocolates and sweets.

Neil was predeceased by his father Elbert Carpenter Sr., mother Margaret Carpenter and brother Jim Carpenter , Stister in law Cindy Carpenter. As well as his mother-in-Law Matea Pante and stepson Cesar Chavez.

Neil is survived by his wife Irma “Mimi” Carpenter, his daughters Catherine Dobbs, Jamie Kouw, Monique Chavez and Jannell Gravador. His grandchildren Yvette, Lorilei, Cesar III, Tekoa, Violet, Norah and Braylen.

Neil’s Celebration of life will be held Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, at Bonita Valley Community Church located at 4744 Bonita Road, Bonita CA 9192, from 11:00am-12:00pm. After the service his burial will take place at Glen Abby Memorial Park followed by reception at Glen Abby's Orchid Pavilion.

“A goal, a love, and a dream give you total control over your body and your life.”

John Wayne