Roger A. Carpenter

Roger A. Carpenter, age 64, of Swayzee, Indiana and formerly of Battle Creek died unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, January 7, 2014. He was born in Battle Creek on September 23, 1949, the loving son of John Robert and Lucille (Gainder) Carpenter and graduated from Lakeview High School with the Class of 1968. Roger faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army and retired from General Motors in 2006 after more than 37 years.

Roger married the "Love of His Life", Marcia J. Barnes in Battle Creek on December 2, 1978; she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Ann (John) Carpenter-Hodge; his son, Scott (Lisa) Carpenter; his grandchildren, Korbin, Stephanie, Branden, Evan and Kaci; his great-granddaughter, Maci; a brother, Ron (Lynda) Carpenter; two sisters, Cynthia (Ken) Yoder and Marcia Rice ; Marcia's brother & sister, Mike (Linda) Barnes, Sue Barnes, and several nieces & nephews. Roger was sadly preceded in death by his son, Timothy A. Carpenter on October 15, 1988; his parents, Robert & Lucille Carpenter; Marcia's parents, whom Roger loved dearly, Cecil and Madeline Barnes, and a brother-in-law, Richard J. Barnes.

A very loving and caring man, Roger was an active member of the St. James Lutheran Church in Marion, Indiana, where he was also very active in the Men's ministry. He was a former member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. He enjoyed camping, travelling, woodworking and collecting coins. Roger's true passion in life was his family and he enjoyed spending time with all of them, but especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

A visitation will be held 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the St. James Lutheran Church 1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion, Indiana where a memorial service to celebrate Roger's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday. Interment with full military honors will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the St. James Lutheran Church,1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion, IN 46952. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.