P.E. "Gene" Carpenter
P.E. "Gene" Carpenter, 86, of Crawfordville passed quietly on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
Born in Harrah, Oklahoma, January 17, 1926, he graduated from Harrah High School as the class Valedictorian. During WW II Gene worked for Douglas Aircraft in Oklahoma City where he assisted with the design and manufacture of C-47 Skytrain airplanes. After the war he attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society. Gene graduated with honors from OU in 1950. Gene worked for the Oklahoma Highway Department until 1961. In 1961 he went to work for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and worked for that organization until his retirement in 1986. From 1971 to 1986 Gene was the FHWA Division Administrator for Florida. In that position he oversaw such projects as the construction of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa and the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. After retirement Gene spent his years at his home at Shell Point, relaxing, fishing, and enjoying life on the Gulf Coast to the fullest.
Gene is survived by his son Thomas (Marsha) of Broomfield, CO, daughter Shelley (Monte) of Crawfordville, grandson James of Denver, CO, granddaughter Kelly of Ft. Lauderdale, sister Anna Lilac Swihart of Canon City, CO, best friend Becky Jones of Crawfordville and his constant and loyal companions, rescue dogs Mac, a cocker spaniel and Bart a miniature dachshund
He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Marilyn Grey Carpenter and his sister Crystal Merritt.
In lieu of flowers it was Gene's wish that contributions be made to the or CHAT (Citizens for Humane Animal Treatment) of Wakulla, 1 Oak St, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Gene will be interred at the columbarium at All Souls Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City.
Published in Tallahassee Democrat from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2012