Kenneth E. Carpenter Sr.

CLAREMONT - Kenneth E. Carpenter Sr., 86, of Claremont, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born June 14, 1920, in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Gordon and Jettie Hollar Carpenter. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont and was a retired mail courier with the U.S. Postal Service. Kenneth was a U.S. Army veteran; served during World War II; and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Hunsucker Carpenter; a sister, Elizabeth Rullman; and a brother, John Carpenter. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, June McGee and husband, Richard, of Claremont; a son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Carpenter Jr. and wife, Faye, of Claremont; five grandchildren, Christi Carpenter, Patti M. Ervin, Kenneth Carpenter III, Michael McGee and Ryan Carpenter; nine great-grandchildren, Chase Ervin, Codie Ervin, Cole Ervin, Clay Ervin, Caroline Ervin, Jordan Hopkins, Cameron Hopkins, Cayman Carpenter and A.J. Carpenter; and a brother, Junius Carpenter of Claremont. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 4 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at Bethel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Edward F. Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military graveside rites will be performed by members of American Legion Post 48. Pallbearers will be Carl Rulman, Andy Rulman, Johnny Carpenter, Luke Strelow, Wayne Drum, Johnny Hunsucker, Jerry Fulbright and Walter Fulbright. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. today, Monday. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, Building Fund, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, N.C. 28610. The Carpenter family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremations in Conover.