Ray Carpenter

Ray Carpenter was a straight shooting kind of guy. He liked things kept simple, on his own terms, and he didn't mince words when it came to his opinion. People knew where they stood with Ray, and he could appreciate the same from others. Ray lived a somewhat simple life, as well. He had a love for the outdoors, and was a hard worker. Above all, Ray will be missed and remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Ray's story began in 1945. The end of World War II brought hope to our nation as industry expanded and manufacturers produced consumer goods in high demand. People enjoyed the post-war sounds of Doris Day, Bing Crosby, and Perry Como while the debut of the slinky was a delight to children everywhere. In the close knit community of Plainwell, Michigan, Alton and Rebecca (Petrie) Carpenter were celebrating the August 10, 1945 birth of their son, Raymond.

Ray's father worked in shipping and receiving at the Plainwell Paper Company while his mother, a busy homemaker, worked for the Kessler Garment Factory in town. With seven children, their home was a bustling household filled with the sounds of Ray and his siblings, Shirley, Mary, Sharon, Ron, Lyle, and Gerald.

During his childhood, Ray enjoyed boyhood adventures and found his share of mischief. Having been raised on the east side of Plainwell, Ray was known as "an east side hellion" by some during his youth. From his earliest beginnings, Ray's quick wit and opinionated nature often landed him in trouble. One thing can be said for Ray, and that was his hard work ethic. Even while in school he put in many hours working at his jobs. He attended the Plainwell area schools and on June 4, 1964, Ray graduated from high school.

In October of 1965, Ray married a young girl named Carol Lovelace. Although their marriage later ended in divorce in April of 1994, they welcomed three sons to their 14 year union, Kevin, Kirtis, and James. When Ray became a grandfather, he was reliable and always remembered his grandkids on their birthdays with a card. He always welcomed them when they traveled to Ohio to pay Ray a visit twice a year.

For 31 years, Ray worked as a tool and die journeyman for General Motors. He worked at the Comstock plant until 1999 before being transferred to the plant in Mansfield, Ohio where he remained until retiring in April of 2009. With his tool and die skills, Ray loved building nifty gadgets and was always coming up with something new. He also loved riding mopeds, and enjoyed shooting bb guns even when he was older. Never one for house pets, when it came to movies he liked anything with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. Ray wasn't much into traveling, either. He did take a trip to Alaska once, but really just enjoyed traveling up north a time or two to visit a buddy at his cabin. He found pleasure just hanging out with his friend and simply taking in the outdoors.

And that was exactly how Ray liked and lived his life - simple. He had his share of opinions, and never beat around the bush about anything. He got straight to the point, and may have told it like it was, but it never mattered to him what others thought. Ray was his own man, relied on himself, and merely enjoyed life on his own terms.

At the age of 67, Ray Carpenter passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at his home in Mansfield, Ohio. Graveside services for Ray will be held on Monday, June 17, 2013, 11:00 AM at Hillside Cemetery in Gun Plain Township. Ray’s family includes his children: Kevin Carpenter of Troy, MI, Kirtis (Mindy) Carpenter of Plainwell, MI, and James Carpenter of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren: Julie, Alec, Joel, and Justin; siblings: Ron, Lyle, and Mary. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Gerald, Sharon and Shirley. Please visit Ray’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, photo, and sign his memory book online.