Larry Joe Carpenter

Larry Joe Carpenter, 76, of Hugoton, Kansas, and most recently of Louisburg, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. He was born on December 10, 1948, in Liberal, Kansas, to Frances Arlene Harvey and Aaron Nelson “Ned” Carpenter. He spent his early years in Dodge City before settling in Hugoton, where he graduated with the Hugoton High School Class of 1969. Larry spent several years in Texas, raising his family and creating life long friends. Although Larry’s last 6 months were spent in the care of his daughter Gidget in North Carolina, he always considered Kansas to be his home.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his younger brother, Gary Carpenter; a daughter, Serenity, and three grandchildren: Jamey Lee, Kendall Rose, and Lincoln Aaron.

He is survived by his three daughters: Kelly Bergman and her husband, Steve, of Russia, Ohio; Gidget Carpenter and her life partner, Patrick, of Louisburg, North Carolina; and Serene Fonseca and her husband, Salvador, of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Britany, Chelsey, Autumn, Hannah, Joshua, Liliana, Natalia, and Luna, and also a great-grandfather to several beloved great-grandchildren—many of whom he sadly did not have the opportunity to know personally. Larry is also survived by his brother, David Carpenter, and many cousins and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Larry was a championship wrestler in high school, earning recognition for his talent and dedication on the mat. He also shared his skills by coaching younger classmates, something he took great pride in. Though his time as a police officer in Hugoton was brief, Larry considered it one of his greatest accomplishments. Throughout his life, he held many roles—gas station manager, truck driver, landscaper, and more. Whatever the job, he gave it his all.

Outside of work, Larry loved life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed playing horseshoes in his younger years and became a devoted cornhole player later in life. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing—he found peace by the water and never missed a chance to cast a line.

Larry was a man of steadfast Christian faith who often preached both in churches and in nature—by riversides or wherever people were willing to listen. He was drawn to sharing God’s love with those who might not feel welcome in traditional settings. Larry was open about his flaws and failures, but he believed completely in the grace and forgiveness of Christ. His life was a living testament to the power of redemption, compassion, and unconditional love.

Larry is now dancing in Heaven, free from pain, and reunited with Christ and those who went before him.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

– 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)