Eli Sebastian Carpenter

Born January 1, 1975, in Aurora, Illinois, Eli was a brilliant and precocious child. He was at his happiest outdoors and in nature. No lizard was safe from his expert lizard-looping. His beautiful aquariums were a source of great pride, and there were always cats, dogs, snakes, and other exotic creatures in his life.

Growing up in Grand Junction, CO, Eli had a host of friends who hung out at our house. They were fed, sheltered, and sometimes scolded, depending on the need.

Music was very important in his life, and he loved nothing more than playing his drums with his friends up at Will’s house. He also attended some epic concerts—especially the Type O Negative concert—which he attended with Carrie, Matt, Teresa, and Bill.

Eli was a man of many talents and interests, known for his dark humor and razor-sharp wit. He was an excellent cook, an avid reader, and an expert on computers and video games. He built remote-control vehicles and rockets for himself and his children. He enjoyed working on and riding his motorcycle, and could take apart and repair almost anything—just like his dad and granddads before him.

He took great pleasure in driving his F-J into the mountains, camping, fishing, and hunting for gold and cool rocks.

He held his children, his Gran, his family, and his friends very close to his heart.

Eli’s work as an underground mechanic/electrician in the coal mines took him to Fort Smith, Arkansas; Trinidad, Colorado; Hesperus, Colorado; and finally to Farmington, New Mexico.

He took great pride in his dangerous work underground, and spoke of his love and respect for the many brothers he worked with down in the mines.

He is survived by his children, Jammie Nicole, Ivy Marie, and Charles Riley; parents, Charles and Linda Carpenter; sister, Caroline (Brian) Moravek and Andrew; grandparents, Thelma Respress, and Fred and Shirley Carpenter; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; the Jumper/Lawrence Family; and many dear and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by grandfather, Fred Respress.

A celebration of Eli’s life will be held at a later date.