A round of golf in honor of the colonel today! (9/11/2025).  He knows I’m terrible! It’s the thought that counts! I appreciate all he did for my career! He introduced me to golf with Micko and Don W back in the day! Good laughs for sure. RIP Grouch.

I was Gerry's roommate for one semester during our first two years in CS-21 at the Air Force Academy. He was an inspiration to our entire squadron. He rose to be an excellent combat pilot and leader.  I pray for his whole family. 
Joseph G. Burke
USAFA Class of 1970
Retired AF Colonel

I am very sorry to hear about Gerry's passing. He was always a positive influence at the Air Force Academy.  Great times in the Air Force and a wonderful family.

He will be missed.

Dave Sterling, Classmate

Hi Liz(Janet )
I was saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing last month. Life has its’ funny twists and turns. We were roommates in CS-08 our Senior year at the Academy, when Gerry came up with the “brilliant” 8 Ball scene for the Planetarium.  I last saw you two, if I remember correctly,  at Vance AFB when we were completing UPT. I was down at Randolph AFB in San Antonio.  
May God bless you all.
Warmest Regards,
John Soltis

Grouch was a good friend and Air Force colleague on and off of the golf course; as one of the charter members of the Nellis Golf Guys, he was never at a loss for words--often providing his golfing wisdom, but, even more often, offering sage advice on life! You couldn't beat the guy at anything! Rest in peace dear friend; prayers of healing going out to your family.

Jerry was smart and witty. We had great times, watching Jason playing High School football! Jerry would film and cheer. So would we all. May he rest in peace.

I really didn't know Jerry in High School but through the re-unions and FB we had many chats and discussions. At one time he was posting stuff on a regular basis and you could see his love of that F117 and other such aircraft and his family, especially his grandchildren.
We will all miss him and certainly I will. 
To the entire family....you have my sympathy and pray God strengthens you in this difficult time.

Hi. Jeff Carpenter here. The oldest son. My brother and mother and I want to send a huge thank you to all those that have reached out to us and shared stories via either email, text, old photos, or a phone call. You honestly have no idea how happy we are to hear from all of you. In some cases it triggers memories we have forgotten. In other cases it lets us know about Jerry things we didn’t know. The curse of an Air Force family. You’re only privy to half the life and all the good stories are with his servicemen and women. Please keep sharing. Either to us directly. Or on this page. Every picture, anecdote, or memory gives us a moment to laugh and remember fondly. We cherish those. Grouch would be flabbergasted at the amount of people that have reached out. So please don’t stop. Thank you all so much for being a part of my father’s life. The Carpenter family can’t thank you enough.
Jeff Carpenter

I was station with Col Carpenter at TTR.   It was a pleasure and honor to have served with him  
Prayers

OBITUARY

Gerald Carl Carpenter

18 March, 1948 – 11 September, 2024

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services