Jean Matzinger Carpenter

Jean was born June 17, 1927, in Maumee, Ohio, to Walter Irving Carpenter and Pansy Juanita Carpenter (Matzinger). His parents and older brother, Don, and his beloved wife, Lillian, preceded him in death; he is survived by his younger brother Dan, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend who brought warmth and kindness into every room he entered. He was genuine, loving, caring, and a true friend and mentor.

Jean grew up in Wayne, Michigan, and joined the Navy after high school, serving from 1945 to 1946. He then served 2 years in the Marine Corps Reserves.

After the Navy, Jean married Lillian in September of 1948. Jean and Lillian were married 72.5 years when Lillian passed on Christmas Eve of 2020. They have 4 children. Ron (Diane), Dan (Debbie), Renee (Stephen), and Gary (Melody). 8 grandchildren: Jeannie, Breonn, DJ, Monika, Kacy, Natalie, Becky, and Sarah; 14 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, and many friends who have become family.

Jean worked for Northwest Airlines for over 35 years, in Michigan, Oregon, and Florida. Jean and Lillian moved their family of 6 from Michigan to Oregon in 1964. During the 1980s and 1990s, they were “snowbirds” in Florida and Arizona. In 2001, after selling their beloved home in Boring, OR, they moved to Mesa, Arizona. In 2017, they relocated back to Oregon to be closer to family.

In his younger years, he enjoyed flying solo and practicing aero acrobatics. Jean's passions also included gardening, hiking, camping, geology, and writing. Jean loved nature and traveling. As a tour guide for his family and friends, he loved talking about the history and geology of his favorite places. He was very proud of his family. He enjoyed writing secret pal letters to his great-grandchildren; "Can you guess who I am..?"

Jean volunteered at Banner Hospital in Mesa, AZ, for a few years, welcoming and transporting patients around the campus.

Jean had so many adventures and stories to share that he and Lillian wrote a book, Traveling Life's Road.

He developed a recipe for marital success - The 4 Cs: Communication, Commitment, Compassion, and Compromise.

He quoted at the end of his book, "The Road of Life leads to a 'Y' in the road. Which way you go decides your future," - Grandpa Carpenter.

Jean was a Christian, a good man who taught us many lessons on how to live our lives with gratitude and an incredible, deep love and devotion for family. While he was a true master at showing us all how to live, he also showed those around him in his final hours how to die with love, dignity, and respect. Jean's memory will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, OR 97030, on May 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on May 4, 2026, from 8:30 am to 10:00 am.

A Funeral Service will follow the visitation on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:00am, with a reception to follow.

A Committal Service will be held that afternoon at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR 97086, at 1:30 pm.

In place of flowers, please make donations to Friends of the Columbia Gorge.