Arthur George Carpenter

Funeral Services for Arthur George Carpenter, 95, a lifetime Butler resident will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, January 2, 2015 at the Frist Baptist Church of Butler, officiated by Rev. Roy Wilburn and Rev. Terry Beals. Burial will follow in the Butler Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Arthur was born November 27, 1919 to George and Elizabeth Carpenter in Butler, OK. Art finished his race crossed the finish line of life at Integris Clinton Regional Hospital on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Art first attended Bethel School, later he continued his education through 10th grade at Butler. He began his farming career as many families did back then, working side by side with his siblings and parents. On May 2, 1940, Arthur married the love of his life, Wina Vee Stewart. That day the two became one and each day after they worked and walked side by side their whole married life. Not a dime in their pocket, but livin' on love they made a home in the Butler community. In the early years of their marriage, they operated the Hallren Produce located on Main Street. In 1943, their lives began to change with the birth of their son, L.D. Carpenter. With the new addition came another change in 1944 when they started their farming operation. In 1948, their lives were blessed with the birth of their daughter Carol. Wanting to expand and start a new adventure they bought another farm northwest of Butler where they established their home, farmed and operated a dairy business for over 20 years. After selling the dairy business, in 1967, they continued to farm, raise cattle and registered paint horses. Desiring to be closer to life's conveniences while still living the simple life they moved into town in 1989, but continued to follow their passion of farming and ranching raising cattle and horses. Farming was Art's true passion. He loved admiring his horses, and most of his day was filled checking windmills, counting his baby calves and cattle, and feeding hay. The drive around the farm was the highlight of his day. Arthur looked forward to spending time at the coffee shop. It was more than just a cup of coffee, it was about camaraderie with his friends, discussing the upcoming wheat and hay crops, sharing stories, and joking with all who came in. Art was a member of the First Baptist Church of Butler and enjoyed harassing the pastors who had the privilege of living across the street from him. He was preceded in death by his wife Wina Vee Carpenter, of 71 years; his parents, George and Elizabeth Carpenter; brothers, Howard, Carl, Frank, and Dwain Carpenter; sisters, Carrie Powers, Zelma Autry, Doris Gage and Betty Jo Carpenter; and a granddaughter, Stormi Ramey. He is survived by his sisters, Rachel Johnson, of Wichita, KS; and Melba Collins, of Elk City, OK; son L.D. Carpenter and wife, LaDenta, of Butler, OK; daughter Carol Ramey and husband, Nick, of Guymon, OK. Seven grandchildren, Leah Beer and husband, Todd; Lance Carpenter and wife, Kelsey; Lake Carpenter and wife, Kalee, all of Leedey, OK; Shandy Fuller and husband, Dale, of Fayetteville, AR; Kelsey Carson and husband, Jim Bob, of Yukon, OK; Lorrie Hawpe and husband, Jason, of Papillion, NE; and Charter Ramey and wife, Thea, of Amarillo, TX. He is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren - Tobey Nightingale and husband, Brett; Tatum Ridling and husband, Ryan; Tate and Taber Beer; Landon, Luke and Kraiton Carpenter; Kaysa and Kya Carpenter; McGuire and O'Neill Fuller; Liberty, Addison and Arrington Carson; Knox, Sailor, and Houston Hawpe; Paxton and Collins Ramey. 3 great-great-grandchildren - Camden and Wrigley Nightingale; and Bracket Ridling. The family has suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the First Baptist Church of Butler.