Raymond Carpenter

Raymond Randolf (“Ray”) Carpenter, 69, went home to Heaven on May 11, 2015. Born on September 19, 1945 to Austin and Laura Stahl Carpenter in Washington, PA, he graduated in 1965 from Washington High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, was aboard the U.S.S. Whetstone in Vietnam, then had special forces training to serve his country in Vietnam as an Engineer on an armored troop carrier (Tango-111-2) in the Mobile Riverine Force (Brown Water Navy) transporting 9th Infantry Division soldiers in the rivers of the Mekong Delta for the year 1967-1968. That is where he was serving when his beloved mother passed. Discharged in August 1969, he and his wife Carol were married in December of that year. He worked for over 20 years at Insco, Inc. in Ontario, CA, and MSI (Modular Structures, Inc.) in Riverside, CA, doing what he loved to do: welding the many parts of custom modular buildings for different banks, schools, and a well-known amusement park. Ray was certainly a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hand painting a 9-foot replica of the Steelers logo on his back patio. He was known for his long dark hair and full beard, which he had for over 40 years, his loving spirit, and wonderful sense of humor which he imparted to all 3 of his kids. He is survived by his loving wife Carol, his son Mitchell of Rialto, CA, son Raymond Jr. (Jamie) of Laramie, WY, daughter Laurian (Saul) of Massanutten, VA, his grandchildren Saul Jr. in VA, Lisa in WY, Allyssa in VA, and Nikki in WY. Also surviving are brothers George Stahl in CA, and Bill Carpenter in PA, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Those who passed on before include his mother, father, step-father Frank, sister Frances, and brother Howard. Knowing he is in a much better place now and is no longer in pain, he will be very greatly missed by his family. Viewing will be at Neal Funeral Home, and graveside services with military honors will be in Washington Cemetery, under the direction of Neal Funeral Home in Washington, PA. Final resting place will be in Washington Cemetery in the Veterans’ Section, Block 8, on June 9, 2015. After many attempts, we’re finally going back home. Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Viewing: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Neal Funeral Home 925 Allison Avenue Washington, PA 15301 724-225-8122 Graveside Services: 3:00 PM Washington Cemetery 498 Park Avenue Washington, PA 15301