Dayton L. Carpenter

Dayton LaFayette Carpenter, age 84 died August 17, 2016 at Seton Medical Center, Harker Heights, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Dayton gave his body to Parkinson’s research in the hope of helping others. His remains will be returned to the family for private burial at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date. Dayton was born September 1, 1931 in Burnet County, Texas the son of the late Hadie Bishop Carpenter and Mary Pearl (Kincaid) Carpenter. He attended schools at Oakalla and Briggs and married his high school sweetheart, Glynda Carson on June 7, 1952 at Briggs Baptist Church. They had only been married six months when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1952-1954 in combat during the Korean Conflict, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. His military awards include; Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge. On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, he received the Korean War Service Medal with a letter of appreciation dated June 2000 signed by Kim Dae-Jung, President of the Republic of Korea. In 1956, Mr. Carpenter and his wife moved to Lampasas where they have made their home for more than 60 years. He attended classes under the G.I Bill of Rights and also night classes under Verlie Jackson at Jackson Business College and was employed in Civil Service at Fort Hood before entering private construction business. He built many homes in and around Lampasas and helped with development of Horseshoe Bend and Southern Oaks Subdivisions. He owned and operated Lampasas Lumber Company and was engaged in farm and ranch work. He and his wife also owned and managed the Holiday House for 10 years. Dayton was a member of the Methodist Church before becoming a member of the Briggs Baptist Church. He has been a member of First Baptist Church in Lampasas since 1956. He was elected to serve as deacon in 1969 and recognized as deacon emeritus in 2015. He is also a 50 year member of Saratoga Masonic Lodge, a 50 year member and Past patron of Lampasas Chapter 295, Order of Eastern Star in Lampasas. He was charter member of Lampasas Junior Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed helping people, expecting nothing in return. His personal interests included collecting antique tools, playing card games and dominoes. He was happiest when he spending time with his family and seven grandchildren; Megan, Monica, Carter, Cory, Carley, Cabri, Kelli Ray, who all called him “Paw Paw.” Dayton was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother. He is survived by his wife and by three married sons; Pat and Linda Carpenter, Mike and Pam Carpenter of Lampasas and Ray and Susan Carpenter of Lubbock. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Lampasas or to National Parkinson Foundation Gift Processing Center P.O. Box 5018 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to all the friends and caregivers who helped Mr. Carpenter as he fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. Memorial service is Sunday August 21, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lampasas.