Donald "Don" Carpenter

Wood River: Donald “Don” Carpenter, 86, passed away at 8:05am on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at his residence. He was born on August 20, 1930, in Roxana, Illinois, the son of the late Willard and Verdie (Owen) Carpenter. Survivors include three daughters and two sons in law: Nancy and David Jackson of Alton, Paula and Mike Wankowski of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Laura Carpenter of Wood River, one son and daughter in law: Dennis and Tina Carpenter of South Roxana, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one sister: Sharon Brown of Roxana, two brothers and a sister in law: Rennie Carpenter of Farmland, Indiana, Gregory and Cheryl Carpenter of Wood River, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Don was formerly employed as a police officer in Bunker Hill and was a boilermaker at Shell Oil for 37 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Wood River Moose Lodge #1349. He was a Korean War era veteran serving in the United States Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister: Ollie Mary Elliott, and a brother: Jack Carpenter. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at the funeral home. Pastor Tom Olney will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton. Memorials are suggested to the Missions Fund at Eldred Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.