LCDR Coleman Riley Carpenter, Jr.

*****NOTE DUE TO THE IMPENDING WEATHER ON FRIDAY*****                                                                                                                            THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT THE CHURCH AT 3:00 PM ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024 

Coleman Riley Carpenter, Jr was born in El Paso Texas to Jonelle (Queen) and Coleman Riley Carpenter Sr, on January 19, 1949, “in the first half of the last century” according to his late wife, Eva. Eva was his high school sweetheart, whom he married a few times. No one really knows how many, but they married each time in different places, like Juarez, Mexico, El Paso (twice?), Las Vegas, and Frederick. Apparently, they liked to get married and only one time did it end in divorce. That didn’t last too long though, and they married again a few years later. 

After completing a bachelor’s degree in physical education at the University of Texas- El Paso, he joined the Navy in 1971 and progressed from Seaman Cadet through Corpsman on the USS Tripoli (LPH-10, ’74- ‘78) in the Pacific, and eventually made Officer.

 He obtained his master’s degree in education at the University of West Florida, and with a final rank of Lt. Commander at Bethesda Naval Hospital, he enjoyed trying to teach doctors some management and communication skills.  He retired in 1993, and returned to school at Frederick Community College, where he became an accountant.  He then worked at Frederick County Department of Social Services, arranging funding for those in need.

He was proud of his service, his family, and his farm in Myersville (where he spent a lot of time hanging out with his dog Gabe and keeping up on the fencing so the goats wouldn’t get out). Above all, he valued his relationship with God. He found Him in January 1994 when Riley, as he was known, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He was a faithful servant and found great joy in rising early to work with seminary youth prior to their regular school day.  He frequently worked on lesson plans into the evening.  Riley enjoyed teaching himself new things, and in between bible study, taught himself passable Spanish and financial investing.

A man of quiet strength, he never complained, and he chose the path of love in all his dealings.  He also possessed a deadpan wit, and often people would only get the joke a while later.  A well loved and respected man, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, as he was a pillar of integrity, kindness, and charity.
He went to be with his Heavenly Father at sunrise on January 11, 2024, at Frederick Health Hospital, with family at his side. All the way to the end, his heart was filled with gratitude for the life he lived, his family, friends, and for knowing Jesus Christ. He was able to clearly articulate his wishes to the last and he requested that in lieu of flowers (the man had allergies- big time!) that donations be made to <https://philanthropies.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/humanitarian-services/> . He wanted you to know that nothing is taken off the top for administrative expenses (financial prudence was also his thing). 
He is preceded in death by both parents and stepfather John Sleeper, as well as his wife, Eva, who he is now dancing with in Heaven (once he learns). 

He is survived by his two sons, Brian of Frederick and Scott, who lives with Riley’s beloved daughter-in-law Tereza in Australia. Grandchildren are Claire and Montana, also in Australia, as well as his cousins Louis Carpenter, and Mary Kay Jasek and her husband Ed in Texas, along with their children, as well as numerous other cousins and distant relatives. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Anita and her husband Gordon and their daughter Joanna (David). Additionally, he considered many members of the church to be family. 

A viewing is planned for Wednesday, January 17th, 6 to 7:30 pm at Stauffer's Funeral Home in Frederick, and his funeral service will be held on Friday, January 19th(his 75th birthday) at 3pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Frederick. His final resting place will be at the National Cemetery at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, interred with full military honors.

*****NOTE DUE TO THE IMPENDING WEATHER ON FRIDAY*****                                                                                                                            THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT THE CHURCH AT 3:00 PM ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024