Gerald Lee Carpenter, Sr

CARPENTER, Gerald Lee, Sr.
Of Kalamazoo Went to be with the Lord, Saturday July 21, 2012. Gerald was born December 8, 1940 in Newaygo, MI, the son of the late Clifford and Elizabeth Barry Carpenter. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1962. Prior to his retirement he owned the Carpenter Real Estate business for several years. Earlier in life Gerald worked for 22 years with Reith-Reiley Construction working his way up to cost estimator. He was an active member of Northeastern Baptist Church where he served as deacon, sang in the church choir, and played on the church softball team until he was 69 years old. Gerald loved to play golf and basketball; and played basketball for many years at the YMCA. He enjoyed spending time with his family, ceramics class on Wednesday's with his mother; and was excited about his new interest, which was gold prospecting. He spent several years as a volunteer at Ft. Custer VA Hospital; and was President Elect of GKAR. On September 16, 1961 he was united in marriage to his loving wife, the former Bette Cheney, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Gerald, Jr. Diane Carpenter, Scott Carpenter and Courtney Phelps, Rebecca James Worthington, Amelia Carpenter, Sarah Branden Ruelas, Deborah Carpenter, Quinton Carpenter, Jonah Carpenter; 16 grandchildren, and one on the way; 3 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; brothers, Carl Wanda Carpenter, John Amber Carpenter, Steven Carpenter, Robert Sturgis, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Philip; and sister, Joi Sturgis. A memorial service to celebrate Gerald's life will be held at 11:00 o'clock Thursday, July 26, at Northeastern Baptist Church, 6536 East G Ave, with Pastor George Coon officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Memorials may be directed to Northeastern Baptist Church.