George H Carpenter

On October 4, 2025, at the age of 93, George Carpenter of Lake Odessa, Michigan, went to be with his bride of over 61 years. George and Kathy were blessed with six children, 13 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. George loved to introduce himself as “the Old Crab,” but his smile and friendly attitude betrayed his true nature. George was a devoted husband and father, prioritizing his family in all of his actions.

On June 11, 1932, George Henry Carpenter was born to Nellie (Emery) and Albert Carpenter in Wayne, Michigan. On January 30, 1954, George married his sweetheart of only three months. George is survived by four children: Henry (Donna), Mary (Ken) Aho, Linda Rogers, and Ronald (Candy). In his passing, George joined his wife Kathleen, son Edward, and daughter Marlene Inglis.

George was born a farmer and never lost that work ethic. He pushed everyone to work hard but never harder than he worked himself. He was an active farmer until his declining health prevented him from handling the workload. In his younger days, he raised dairy cows, pigs, and chickens as well as farming hay and corn. When he moved to Lake Odessa in 2000, he continued raising and showing rabbits a hobby he started in 1994. This is something he shared with his descendants from every generation. He was active in both the ARBA and the MSRBA. In the MSRBA, George and Kathy became Master Breeders with New Zealand Whites and Florida Whites.

In addition to his farming career, George worked for the Wayne County Road Commission as a mechanic until he became foreman of the mechanic division. In 1982, he retired, with his claim to fame being that he was retired for longer than he worked for them. After retiring from the county, he did fun jobs like delivering trucks that had been undercoated, driving a wrecker, and—his favorite job—delivering flowers. He was active in Michigan Farm Bureau, in Wayne County 4-H, and in his churches (Community United Methodist Church in Romulus and Central United Methodist Church in Lake Odessa). In addition, he was the superintendent of the poultry barn at the Michigan State Fair for 29 years. They say if you want something done, give it to a busy person. George was that kind of person.

When George needed around the clock care, he went to live at Hope Landing in Charlotte. Here, he found much more than a place that met his physical needs. He met a new family, both residents and workers alike. This family greeted him with hugs when he returned from stays in the hospital and cried when we lost him.

Visitation will be held at Koops Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 4pm until 8pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Central United Methodist Church starting at 1pm. George will be laid to rest next to his wife Kathleen in West Sebewa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials be directed to the Central United Methodist Church.