Elbert A. "Al" Carpenter

Elbert (Al) A. Carpenter, 94, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. He was born on November 23, 1928, in Lysander, New York to Arthur L. Carpenter and Ida Maude (Starks) Carpenter. He is preceded in death by his spouse, Lorene, his parents, and his brother Lawrence.
Al held various executive positions over 34 years in the petroleum industry. His career advancements meant the family relocated often, more than a dozen times. His last executive position was in Kansas City, Missouri, where he retired from Amoco Oil in 1980. At the age of 77, Al graduated with a master's degree in special education and then taught in the Olathe school district for 4 years. He was a lifelong learner with a strong work ethic.
Al was a lifelong member of Community of Christ, where over the years he served as an ordained minister in the offices of deacon, elder, high priest, and evangelist. He and Lorene were vibrant witnesses of Jesus Christ, with special gifts for hospitality and community building. Al and Lorene were accorded emeritus status in 2009.
Al is survived by his children:
Jane M. Gardner, spouse Robert, of Lee's Summit, Missouri
Mary A. Gill, spouse Martin, of Olathe, Kansas
Donna J. Shaw, spouse Craig, of Leawood, Kansas
David A. Carpenter, spouse Teri, of Lee's Summit, Missouri
Julie K. McKibben, spouse Keith, of Topeka, Kansas
and his grandchildren:
Sara M. Gardner-Ewell
Aaron B. Gill
Lesley E. Gill
Mark W. Gardner
Lauren K. Raymer
Jenna M. Shaw
Brooke N. Carpenter
Maxwell K. McKibben
His great-grandchildren include Zoey and Layla Gill and a new little girl (Raymer) expected in June.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Al's memory to Outreach International.
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