William Carpenter

William E. Carpenter, age 94, of Athens, passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born February 4, 1921 in Wakeshma Township the son of Carl and Nina (Webb) Carpenter. He graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1938. On November 23, 1940 he married Helen A. Carpenter in Bowling Green, Ohio and they celebrated their 72nd anniversary on November 23, 2012. After their marriage they moved to a farm outside of Athens, where they lived for 26 years raising their family. William and his wife moved into Athens in 1961, building a home on the Nottawa River. He worked for Crowell Brothers for several years, prior to purchasing the Wash King Laundries in Athens, Union City and White Pigeon. Together with his wife they owned and operated the laundries until his retirement in 1996. William loved to hunt and fish. His love for baseball made him a true fan of the Detroit Tigers for life. He would meet his best friend Ed at the Copper Kettle for lunch, the topic was always how the Tigers were playing. William never lost his love for farming; his large garden was his pride and joy. He spent many hours working in it. William is survived by his son: Philip L. (Sharon) Carpenter and daughter: Bonnie J. (Norman) Conant both of Athens; four grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great-grandchildren and sister: Maxine Beaver of Valley Park, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen on December 31, 2012; brother: Roy; three sisters: Ahlene, Margaret and Alice and one great-great-grandson: Dane Philip Carpenter. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Funeral Home with  interment to follow at Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens. Memorial contributions may be given to the Athens Youth Council or Athens Historical Society. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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