Edwin Cecil Carpenter

Edwin C. Carpenter, 84, of Kirksville, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2018, at his home. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, the only child of Norman and Adelaide Carpenter. He was united in marriage to Nettie Brown on January 29, 1955.

Ed is survived by his wife, Nettie; two daughters, Sharon and husband David Loveland of Sedalia, MO, and Jo Carpenter and husband Doug Weber of Waterbury, VT; and four grandchildren, Hannah and Claire Loveland of Sedalia, MO, and Rachael and Gerald Weber of Waterbury, VT.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents.

Ed graduated high school in Peoria, Illinois, in 1951. After basic training in the U.S. Army in 1958, he was in the reserves until 1979. He received his undergraduate and Master degree from Illinois State University, his PhD from Southern Illinois University, and did post-doctorate work at Harvard University. He was a teacher and debate coach for Illinois Wesleyan University for 10 years, vice-president for Lincoln College for seven years, and head of the Division of Language and Literature at Truman State University from 1973 until he retired in 1995.

Ed was active in professional and civic organizations which included: Kirksville City Council from 1996-2001, two years of which he served as mayor; Kirksville Rotary Club from 1973-present, serving as president in 1984; United Way board 1984-2001, serving as president for four terms; district chairman of the Boy Scouts 1986-1988; President of Missouri's Northeast Regional District Municipal League; served as vice-president in 2001 and president in 2002 of Northeast Regional Planning Commission; was one of the founding members of the Red Barn Arts Festival, serving as president in 1975, and later board member and treasurer of Kirksville Arts Association; member of First United Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the administrative board, 1997-2000; Masonic Lodge #366 and El Kadir Shrine Club member.

Ed enjoyed being with his family and friends and was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Among his favorite activities were woodworking, antique clock collecting and restoration, reading, traveling, gardening, and enjoying his pets. Ed was always open to a good debate.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2018, at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Scott Beard officiating. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall.

Memorials may be made to Kirksville Arts Association Building Fund.