John Oliver Carpenter

John Oliver Carpenter, age 87, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on February 13, 2023. Beloved chosen child of Hugh and Olive Carpenter, he was born in Indianapolis, IN in 1935. John was a graduate of Shortridge High School and attended Hanover College. In 1958 he married the love of his life, Judith Shew.

He had a long career in the apparel industry as a buyer for W.H. Block & Co. and L.S. Ayres & Co. He was the co-owner of Stenzdale Apparel and Bridal in Broad Ripple and was a Manufacturers Rep. for various lines of women’s apparel in IN, IL, OH, MI and TX. John retired in 1998 but, as a man who was always busy, he became a volunteer with several organizations: The Indianapolis Childrens Museum, LA Angels Spring Training, Sky Harbor Airport Navigator and the Heard Museum.

He and Judie traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. A most memorable trip for them occurred on their return to the U.S. on September 11, 2001. They were one of the last planes to land in Halifax, Nova Scotia and they spent 5 days there before the airspace reopened. John remembers flying over New York City and seeing the smoke from the Twin Towers; a most moving sight.

To know John, was to know he didn’t know a stranger and could always be counted on for witty, and often silly, saying his grandsons fondly remember as “Feepawisms!” He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judie. Daughters Stephanie (Robert) Hisle and Lisa Carpenter. Grandsons Chris (Kate) and Alex Hisle, and great grandson, Emerson Hisle.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at The Terraces of Phoenix on Tuesday, March 21 at 1 pm. A celebration of life will be held in Indianapolis at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John’s name to The Indianapolis Humane Society – Indyhumane.org or the Alzheimer’s Association – alz.org

Beloved husband, father and Feepaw you will be missed!