TONY CARPENTER

1941 - 2024

AARON LEE "TONY" CARPENTER Aaron Lee "Tony" Carpenter, age 82, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on May 2, 2024. As he took his last breath, a tear of joy fell down his right cheek. Finally reunited in Heaven with his beautiful bride of over 60 years. He lived a life that focused on God, Faith, and Love. He was known by so many as a walking and talking Bible. Even with advanced Alzheimer's and Parkinson's he continued touching many lives until his final breath. Tony was born on November 28, 1941, in Waxahachie, TX while his father was off serving during WWII. At the age of 4, he finally met his father. As a young child he loved listening to a talking horse named "Tony" on the radio, where he acquired his nickname from one of his uncles. Much like the horse, Tony never had a lack of words. Tony was voted president of the Waxahachie FFA chapter as a freshman and held that title through his senior year. He would practice his FFA speeches while standing in a feeding trough with an audience of cattle. Little did he know he was preparing himself for a life in ministry. He graduated high school in Waxahachie. At age 18, he married the love of his life, Teddy Jane Wheatley. The Godly influence his wife had on him led him to a life in ministry. He attended Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock, Texas from 1963 to 1965. He graduated 1st in his class and was selected to represent the school at many events. Tony was the first student that was sponsored to attend preaching school from College Street Church of Christ. After school, Tony and his wife along with their daughter, Toni moved to Alvarado, TX where he took his first preaching job. He also preached at many gospel meetings in different states and was the full-time minister at Lancaster and Sherman Church of Christ, baptizing many people throughout the years. During that time, they added two more children to the family, Todd and Tamberley. Trading out cattle for his children, Tony would prepare for Sunday sermons by having them sit on the couch until he memorized it. He prided himself in memorizing each sermon perfectly. In 1971, Tony and Teddy and their three children moved to Maypearl, where he became the preacher at Maypearl Church of Christ and later served as an elder. He also had a daily devotional segment on KBEC AM radio. After establishing Maypearl as a forever home, Tony decided to leave full-time ministry to pursue other ventures to better provide for his family. In 1976, he became the manager at Millwood Cabinet Shop in Lancaster, TX. During that time, Tony and Teddy were blessed with a surprise named Ted who arrived 17 years after their first born. In 1992, Tony worked full time in White Settlement, TX as a postman for the United States postal service until retirement. Tony was a true "carpenter", using his hands to make furniture and wooden crafts. He would setup at antique shops to sell his work and give his children gifts that they could treasure for a lifetime. He was a man of many talents and those became his hobbies. Tony loved gardening, drawing pictures of his grandchildren, carpentry, singing, reading the bible religiously, spending time with his family, and journaling his daily life. He was involved in his grandchildren's life, supporting them at their many events and being their biggest fan. Tony was known as a faithful, Christian man. He had the deepest love for his family and was known for his hard work and selfless attitude. His heart was full of love and kindness. Tony was a strong man who will be remembered for his stubborn but loving ways. He stood for his family living a loyal, Christian life and teaching them love meant sacrifice to the highest degree. Left to cherish his life are his children, Toni Mulvany and husband Steve of Maypearl. Todd Carpenter and wife Glenda of Katy, Tamberley Harmon and husband Kevin of Maypearl and Ted Carpenter and wife Bree of Maypearl; 7 grandchildren, Amanda Drake and husband James, Erik Harmon and wife Kaylee, Kourtney Hodge, Ty Carpenter, Cole Carpenter, Aubree Carpenter and Tate Carpenter; 4 precious great-grandchildren, Brookelyn and Kennedy Drake, Krew Hodge and Kize Harmon. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Carpenter and wife Pam; sister, Sue Morris; brother-in-law, Bill Wheatley and wife Linda; sister-in-law, Brenda Appleton and husband Ronald and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who all loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Teddy Jane Wheatley; parents, Edward Carpenter and Christine Johnson; in-laws, Lovedia Viola Holland and Lucius Wheatley; sister, Betty Thompson and brother-in-law, Robert Morris. Visitation for family and friends were from 6:00-8:00 PM, Monday, May 6, 2024, at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Maypearl Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Maypearl Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 511 West Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas.