Donald Scheffel Carpenter

Donald Scheffel Carpenter, Jr., aged 75, died unexpectedly at his home in Charlottesville on March 3, 2026.

Scheffel was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Scheffel Carpenter and Ruby Garrison Carpenter; and his brother Bryant Stewart Carpenter.

He is survived by his wife, Jane O. Carpenter; his daughter, Jenna Omohundro Bisson; and three grandsons, Zander, Talen, and Lane Bisson. Additional survivors include his brothers Daniel Howard Carpenter II (Gloria), Peter Muir Carpenter (Lisa), and cousins Cindy, Brenda, Debbie, Vickie, Sandra, and Henry Daniel.

Scheffel had an intense desire to serve his community and country as evidenced by his early Boy Scout membership and his later service in the Navy. As a disabled veteran from the Vietnam War, he continued his community commitment as a volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed his almost 30 years at UVA's Facilities Management.

His interests were varied and sometimes at opposite ends of the spectrum. Years of scuba diving in California were later balanced by his great proficiency at marksmanship, with over 75 trophies and awards discreetly displayed in his garage, attesting to his well-honed skills.

Scheffel's friends were as varied as his interests, the one connecting thread they all shared was to benefit from his help. Problems that could be simply solved with a hand tool or more complex ones that required long conversations were all a pleasant challenge for him. Scheffel's final contribution to the world he lived in with so much gusto, was his desire to be an organ donor. His family is proud of his generosity and hope that his recipients will expand his gifts as they recover their health. Scheffel's contributions will continue.

Services will be held March 9, 2026 at Cherry Avenue Christian Church with a visitation at 11am followed by a memorial service at 12pm.