John Lewis Carpenter

John Lewis Carpenter, loving husband and father, passed peacefully, as his devoted wife, Holly, was holding his hand and telling him she would love him forever, and that God was holding him in his loving arms. John battled like the warrior he was against two rare cancers, giving his all against this insidious disease. Through numerous cancer treatments, John kept a smile on his face, and never complained about anything. Even though nothing medically could be done to help him, the loss is profound for his family and friends. John’s radiant smile, and kindness to all will leave a void that can never be replaced.

John was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served our country for twenty-six years. He was a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in the historic class of 1979. John also earned two Masters Degrees; one from Central Michigan University, and one from Webster University, both Masters Degrees pertained to his career field in contracts, acquisitions, and procurement. After his retirement from the Air Force, John worked in civilian positions in Washington State, Washington D.C., Alabama, and he also worked seven years in Afghanistan supporting the military mission with a contractor, and then with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. John retired from the Federal Government Civil Service December 31, 2022.

John was born January 12, 1954 to Marvin and Anna (Tompa) Carpenter in Karlsruhe, Germany. He graduated from Umatilla High School, Umatilla, Oregon, then attended Blue Mountain Community College. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1973. In 1975, he tested to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy attaining high scores on the examinations, and was then appointed to attend the academy by Senator Al Ulman – Oregon. He graduated from USAFA in 1979, and began his pilot’s training in Chandler, AZ, where he sustained an injury requiring him to change career paths. He selected the Missile Command, and was a Missile Commander at Minot AFB, working in the missile command centers. Later, he developed an additional career path, and attended various schools, as well as working with Lockheed Martin, to attain certifications in contracts management, procurement analyst, and acquisitions analyst. He received many awards. He also was rated as a military expert marksman. He never missed even up to the last time he shot at the range in January 2022.

John was also recognized for his honorable service with USACE in Afghanistan with awards and honor certificates. John didn't speak much about his numerous accomplishments, and considered them just a part of normal life changes, and adventures. He was very proud of his service to our country, and was always grateful for his achievements.

John and Holly Baumgart were married on September 5, 1993, in Umatilla, Oregon. They, and their children, traveled the country and the world, with assignments to support the mission of the U.S. Air Force, and also in various civil service positions.

John was preceded in death by his father, Marvin; grandparents both maternal and paternal, uncles, aunts, and a cousin. He's survived by his wife, Holly, his son, Alex Carpenter (Carla) and granddaughter Ella Mae of Austin, Texas, daughter Courtney Carpenter (Travis) of Fargo, North Dakota, his mother, Anna Carpenter of Umatilla, Oregon, sister Annie Carpenter of Las Vegas, Nevada, cousin Lyle Carpenter of Maple Valley, Washington, step-mother Suki Carpenter of Poulsbo, Washington, and step-sister Kim, as well as loving in-laws Mary Tracy (Don), Debbie Dickinson (Robin), Cindy Baumgart, Fred Baumgart, David Baumgart (Anita), and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He is also survived by an aunt, uncle, cousins and their spouses.

A fellowship gathering will be held at a later date to honor John’s life, and military service. The announcement of date and place will be published, and notifications will be sent. A private memorial service and burial is planned.