Gary James Carpenter

Gary James Carpenter, 73, passed into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on
October 30, 2018. A memorial service to celebrate his wonderful gift of life will
be held on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran
Church, 2801 Antilley Road with pastor Clyde Kieschnick officiating.

Gary was born on August 31, 1945 in Abilene, Texas to James Alton and Inez
Carpenter. He was the youngest of 3 children. He graduated from Abilene High
School in 1963. Gary attended McMurry College and Tarleton State University in
Stephenville but was drawn to the family business of the large truck industry and
chose to become a partner with his dad and brother. They turned their small
family business into acquiring a Mack Truck Dealership in 1968.

In February of 1967, Gary met the love of his life, Linda Gayle Klose. In June of that
same year, right before leaving for the Army National Guard Reserves boot camp,
Gary placed an engagement ring on her finger. He always said it was so she wouldn't
get away while he was gone to boot camp. He returned from boot camp in early
December, and they were married on December 30, 1967 in Haskell, Texas.

Gary served in the Army National Guard Reserves from May 1967 to May 1973.
He also enjoyed 10+ years of coaching baseball while his son was playing little
league through senior league. During his illness, he took much pleasure in helping
his daughter deliver meals through the Meals on Wheels program here in Abilene.
Gary's other interests and involvements included being a charter member of
Interact (a business organization), LeSociety, Fin and Feather, and Breakfast
Optimist. He was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Gary spent his entire career time in the large truck industry selling trucks. In
2002, he accepted a position selling International trucks with R.L. Anderson,
where he met many new customers and friends. He continued with International
until his retirement in 2015. Gary was a well respected man in the business
world as well as his personal life.

Gary's survivors include: loving wife of 50 years, Linda; son, Phillip (Corina)
Carpenter of San Angelo; daughter, Kyla Zett of Abilene; grandchildren, Morgan,
August, and Reese Zett of Abilene, Jolea Carpenter of Arlington, and Chloe
Graham of San Antonio; brother, Clayton (Carolyn) Carpenter of Clyde; sister,
Janie (John) McDonald of Kansas City, KS; cherished brothers-in-law, Loyd (Janis)
Klose of Abilene and Jerry Don (Phyllis) Klose of Haskell; many nieces and
nephews, cousins, friends, and golf and domino buddies.  Gary was preceded in
death by his grandparents, parents, mother and father-in- law, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law,
John and Shirley DiLorenzo, of Ohio.

His grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Family would like to thank Dr. Melnyk, Pam, and staff at Texas Oncology and the
kind nurses and staff of Hendrick Hospice and The Oaks at Radford Hills. In lieu of
flowers, please make donations to Zion Lutheran Church, Hendrick Hospice
Center, Meals on Wheels of Abilene, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may
be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.