J. Clifton Carpenter

J. Clifton Carpenter

9/3/1914 2/12/2005

J. Clifton Carpenter, born September 3, 1914, passed away February 12, 2005. The adopted son of Archibald G. and Dorothy Carpenter, Clif was raised in Taft, California, graduating from Taft Union High School in 1932. Clif attended Taft Jr. College where he starred in track. Clif transferred to Cal Berkeley, graduating in 1936 with a degree in Transportation. Upon returning to Bakersfield, Clif began his business career with W.W. Kelly & Son becoming a realtor and insurance agent. Clif joined the Army in 1941. In 1944 Clif married the love of his life Lila V. Hedrick. Clif ended his tour of duty in 1946 as a Warrant Officer. He and Lila returned to Bakersfield and were blessed with 3 children, Diana, Alice and Jack. Clif rejoined Kelly & Son embarking on a business career as a realtor, real estate appraiser and insurance agent that would span 63 years. Clif purchased Kelly & Son in 1960 changing the name to Carpenter Realty. The business evolved into Clifton Carpenter Insurance Agency, Inc. and Carpenter Valuation Service, Inc. as it grew. Clif was President of the Bakersfield Realty Board in 1951 and President of the local chapter of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers in 1953. Clif earned the S.R.A., S.R.E.A., AND M.A.I. real estate appraiser professional designations.

Clifs true passion was masonry. Clif was Master of Bakersfield Lodge #224 in 1956, Venerable Master of the Bakersfield Scottish Rite Bodies in 1967, receiving the Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1965, and the 33rd degree in 1975. He was a member of the Bakersfield York Rite Bodies having served as High Priest of Kern Valley Chapter #75, Illustrious Master of Bakersfield Council #28 and Commander of Bakersfield Commandery #39. He was a member and leader of the Royal Order of Scotland, The Red Cross of Constantine, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Brian Boru Council #38 Knight Masons, Bakersfield High Twelve Club, Kern County Shrine Club, and Knight York Cross of Honor Priory #27. Clif was Inspector of the 430th Masonic District for 25 years. His love of masonry was second to none. Clif was an active member of the Bakersfield Kiwanis Club for over 50 years. An Eagle Scout, Clif was also an active Boy Scout leader.

Clif was preceded in death by his wife, Lila and is survived by his daughter, Diana Dietz and her husband, Robert; daughter, Alice Olson and her husband, Ken; and son, John Jack Carpenter, Jr. and his wife, Robin; grandchildren, Matthew Heckmann, Michael Heckmann, Cheryl Robinson and her husband, Sam, Stephen Olson, Renee Olson, Jeffrey Carpenter and Alexandra Carpenter.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund, 1111 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108.

Services will be held Thursday, February 17th at 2:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park.