Dr. Donald R. Carpenter September 27, 1943 – November 9, 2018 Dr. Donald Ray Truesdale Carpenter returned to his Heavenly Father Friday, November 9, 2018, at Ogden Regional Hospital in Washington Terrace, UT. He was born in Tyler, Tx on September 27, 1943 to John and Modestine Carpenter. He moved to Utah when he was 10 years old, where he was raised.
He graduated from Ogden High School in 1962. He continued his education at Weber State University in Ogden, UT where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology Studies. In 1972, Dr. Carpenter entered the University of Utah where he pursued his M.S.W. degree in social work.
Afterwards, he returned to his alma mater in 1973 and began teaching in Weber State’s Social Work/Gerontology Department. In 1974, he attended the summer institute at the University of Chicago where he studied curriculum development for social work education. He went on to further his education by earning his Ph.D. in Cultural Foundation of Education in 1986.
He was awarded tenure at Weber State University that same year, and in 1993, he became chair of the Department of Social Work and Gerontology at Weber State University. Dr. Carpenter retired from Weber State University in 2003 after 32 years of service. He was the Administrator and Head Start Director of the Ogden/Weber Community Action Partnership, an organization that helps the disadvantaged on local, state, and federal levels.
After over 15 years of service, he retired from OWCAP in December of 2017. Dr. Carpenter also worked closely with a very special friend, Sid Jeffries, and resided on the Board of Trustees with Futures Through Choices, which is a non-profit organization that strives to enhance the lives of individuals that live with a developmental disability. He has received many awards and recognitions including: Social Worker of the Year, Utah Chapter of NASW, 1998; 33 Degree Mason, 1988; Past Master of Mt.
Ogden Lodge #20, Ogden, Utah; Past Commander-in-Chief of Ben Lomond Consistory #94, Ogden, Utah; Past Potentate of Labbayk Temple #218, Ogden, Utah and LCSW Social Worker, State of Utah. He was a faithful member of the New Zion Baptist Church, where he joined in 1952; he was a member for more than 60 years. For many years he served on the Board of Trustees, and eventually became the Chairman of the Trustee Board.
Most importantly, he was the Minister of Music. Dr. Carpenter was always the unofficial historian and photographer within his family and among friends within the community; making hundreds of photo albums for loved one’s special occasions and events. He and his wife Elizabeth had a fun filled exciting life together, traveling 47 of the 50 states in their spare time.
He loved spending quality time with his family sitting on his mother’s front porch. His greatest joy was music. He had a massive collection of albums and spent many years playing the piano at home, and at various funerals, church services, and community events.
Dr. Carpenter was overjoyed for a once in a lifetime opportunity to play the pipe organ at the Ogden Utah Temple. He shared recordings of his music with friends and family regularly. He had a very strong connection to people.
He loved his community, and made an impact on the many lives he touched. He is survived by his two daughters, Tamara (Thomas) Larry, and Leslie (Jason) Joe. His siblings, Randolph (Bobbette) Carpenter, Johnny (Sabrina) Carpenter, Linda (Lorenzo) Carter, Steven (Sandra) Carpenter, Byron (Natalie) Carpenter, Michael (Cynthia) Carpenter, Douglas (Robin) Carpenter, and Dennis (Cashawn) Carpenter.
Two Godsons, Shaun Sattiewhite and Jahmaal Sawyer. 5 Grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elizabeth Ann Carpenter, and two sisters, Sheila Carpenter and Charlotte Carpenter.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and give a special thanks to Lisa M. Miconi-Correa, FNP, who was also a special family friend. To nurse Tammy Ha’o with Intermountain Healthcare; Neurologists, Dr. Richard C. Hammond and Dr. Eric F. Stakebake with Ogden Clinic Professional Center; Kelsea, Ken, and Blake with Intermountain Healthcare’s Infusion Services Clinic in Clearfield, and all the staff with Ogden Regional Medical Center. And finally, a very special thanks to Steven Carpenter for all his extra love, care, and support of his brother’s needs over the years.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 16, 2018, 4:30pm – 7:00pm at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, UT 84404. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 1:00 pm at New Zion Baptist Church, 2935 Lincoln Avenue, Ogden, Utah 84401 with a viewing prior to the service from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Interment at Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch.
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