With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father, John “Johnny” David Carpenter, who passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 78, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born on April 3, 1947, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, Johnny lived a full life marked by strength, quiet wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. He showed up for those he loved with patience, guidance, and a gentle sense of humor that made everything feel okay.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Susie Carpenter; his daughters, Amy Carpenter, Rachel Farmer and her husband Bart and their three daughters: Addie, Grace, and Harper; his son, Russ Carpenter and his wife Sommer; his brother, Jack Carpenter and his wife Beau; his beloved dog Buddy, and many more cherished friends and family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lucille Carpenter.
Johnny earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana Tech University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the LSU Law Center. He began his legal career in private practice before transitioning to public service, first working for the Louisiana District Attorneys Association and the Louisiana Department of Justice. He then moved and spent most of his career working for the Louisiana House of Representatives and for the Division of Administration under Governor Bobby Jindal. In 2009, he retired from state service to serve under East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden. He later returned to state government as the Legislative Fiscal Officer, a role he held for eight years until his retirement in 2020. Johnny was a devoted public servant who believed deeply in the democratic process. Throughout his career, he made lasting contributions to Louisiana’s legislative and budgetary processes, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and meaningful impact on the state.
Beyond professional accomplishments, Johnny’s greatest treasure was his family, especially his grandchildren, with whom he loved spoiling and spending his time. In his younger years, Johnny was passionate about water skiing on Lake Bruin and coached his children’s baseball, basketball, and soccer teams, instilling in them a love for sports and teamwork. A lifelong lover of music, Johnny enjoyed all genres and was an accomplished trumpet player, sharing his talent with those around him. He enjoyed summer beach vacations and good, long road trips. Back in his day, you could find him boating and fishing on Bay St. Louis with close friends, Lynne and Lionel Hotstream. Johnny always cheered for the LSU Tigers and loved going to the games with his family and friends.
Honorary Pallbearers include Bart Farmer, Bobo Henry, John Allen Sentell, Lionel Hotstream, Keith Bond, Jim Bond, Morgan McMahan, Byron Henry, Chris Henry, Glenn Riley, and Rick Crump, whose friendship and support have meant so much to our family.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests a charitable contribution to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.give.michaeljfox.org).
A visitation will take place Friday, June 6th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street.
