Samuel Carpenter

Samuel David Carpenter, age 83 of Battle Creek, Samuel David Carpenter was born in Columbus and raised in Logan Ohio until age 11 (1942) when his family moved, relocating the family business, Carpenter Hardware Store, to Athens Ohio.  Sam had one older brother, Alfred Carpenter, who died in 2006.  He is survived by his wife Helga of 55 years, and by four children (Bill Carpenter, Linda Carpenter, Lisa Hillmann, Leslie Lynn) all of whom are married and together blessed his life with 8 beautiful grandchildren. He attended college at Ohio University, where he sang in a men’s quartet, performed in university theatre productions, and was active in numerous student organizations. He went on to get his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School. He took a break from his studies for two years to serve in the Air Force before returning to Ann Arbor. At U of M, he was active in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, sang in the men’s a cappella group, and directed the Men’s Law Club choral group. It was in this role he met the love of his life, Helga Frank, who was glee club director for the Martha Cook women’s residence hall. He graduated in 1958 and they married in June of 1959. The couple settled in Battle Creek, Michigan, where Sam became a partner in the law firm now known as Vandervoort, Christ, and Fisher PC. He practiced law in Battle Creek (with a focus on estate planning, real estate, and probate law) for 50 years, retiring in 2009. He did pro bono legal work for seniors at Burnham Brook and through the Haven of Rest Ministries. Sam was a person of great faith, active in both the First Presbyterian Church and the First Wesleyan Church, as well as in numerous Bible study groups.  He distributed Bibles with the Gideon’s and dedicated countless volunteer hours serving on the Boards of Haven of Rest Ministries, the Battle Creek Host Lions Club, the Y Center and the American Legion Post 54. Sam enjoyed sports as an athlete and spectator. He lettered in four sports in high school, played college football, and remained active with golf, tennis and racquetball throughout his adult life. He particularly liked watching football games with his son and other U of M fans. Sam’s love of music and ability to sing and play instruments created great joy for himself, for his family, and for the Battle Creek Community. As a teen, he was recognized in state-wide competitions for his performance on violin and was often seen strolling the streets of Athens strumming his ukulele. As an adult, he played a piano anywhere and anytime he could find one - in homes, churches, restaurants, hotels and malls around town, including McCamly Place, Burnham Brook, and in many senior living facilities. He played piano by ear and was known to play any tune upon request if someone could hum a few bars. When asked about his favorite song, he replied, “Oh man, there are so many beautiful melodies, I could play all day and never even scratch the surface.” He celebrated his 83rd Birthday together with his wife and children present and singing, playing piano and making music in his room at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice. The family will receive visitors at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 14th from 6-8pm. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the First Wesleyan Church on Wednesday October 15th, at 1pm.  Donations in his honor can be made to the Haven of Rest Ministries, 11 Green St, Battle Creek 49014.

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