Robert Lee Carpenter Sr.

“Bobcat” tried to join the Navy when he was 14 and his mother made them release him. At 15 he ran away and joined the Army. After a year the Army discovered he was only 16 and released him from duty. Bobcat immediately joined the Air Force and was stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. During his tour of Okinawa, Bobcat became an air policeman and a staff sergeant. He was a personal driver and a close friend of Major General Alfred Hegenbeger. While on leave in 1947 he met the love of his life, Mary in Greensboro, North Carolina and married her before going back overseas.

After his tour of duty and service to his country and three girls later Bobcat and Mary packed all their belongings in the car, with Mary 8 months pregnant and moved to Houston, Texas. Robert Jr. was born a month later. Then 7 years later “Tony” was born. Bobcat worked hard and sacrificed to support his family. The family had few worldly possessions and little money but they were rich with love and the closeness of the family. Many nights were spent playing monopoly with Bobcat always being the banker and the winner. Hmmmm. His other love was playing poker with his kids. Somehow he was always the dealer and never lost a poker hand. Hmmmm. Bobcat and Mary’s home was always filled with kids and laughter. He loved the big family holidays and especially the big meals. Everybody loved bobcat because his sense of humor was always delightful.

The next greatest pleasure in his life was the birth of all of his grandchildren starting with Robert, his namesake and ending with the first girl, Shelby. After Mary left for heaven three years ago, Shelby and Tony dedicated themselves to caring for Bobcat. If there are angels on earth, they are Shelby and her dad, Tony.

Bobcat never met a stranger even the last three months in the hospital. He charmed all the nurses and in turn they took special care of him. He never once complained about his pain. He was greatly loved and adored. His wonderful smile and sense of humor will be missed by all.

He leaves behind five children and their spouses, Barbara and Roger Speer, Brenda and Craig Lucas, Jennifer and Ralph Cobb, Robert, Jr. and Terri Carpenter and John Carpenter. He had 13 grandkids and numerous great grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons. Special thanks to the Doctors and staff at the Pointe and Kindred Hospital in Clear Lake, especially Miss Lisa and Miss Rose, who were compassionate and caring to Bobcat. The family request in lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the American Red Cross or the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

Funeral services and military honors will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in the chapel at Houston National Cemetery.