May 18, 1941 ~ January 19, 2020
On Sunday, January 19, 2020, Benjamin Martin Carpenter, 78, peacefully passed away at Willow Creek Nursing Home in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Ben was born on May 18, 1941 in Claremore, OK. He was the fifth born child in a family of ten.
Ben grew up in Northeastern Oklahoma and he never ceased to refer to it as “home.” He fondly recalled attending Haskell Indian School and cherished the opportunities he was given and the friendships he made.
From a young age, Ben was passionate about sports from every facet. Not only was he successful in his own athletic career as a high school student, but he participated in semi-pro football and AAA baseball. Ben then continued to stay as involved in athletics as possible by coaching his children and nephews, refining their abilities in any way possible.
After graduating high school, Ben married his first wife Gwen and had two daughters, Stephanie and Trish. He then began his career as an aircraft machinist which led him all over the country.
Once beginning this career, he then met wife, Barbara, and together they had 5 children, Romy, John, Baby Ben, Catherine, and Anna. When he would get transferred from state to state, he was quick to find arrangements for his family to join him. The aircraft industry led him back to Guthrie where Ben and his family established roots and decided to stay put.
Ben’s love for music radiated at all times. Whether in the checkout line at the grocery store, the library, or in the comfort of his own home, there was a never-ending soundtrack to his life that included a variety of gospel hymns, classic country, R&B, and even rock and roll from time to time.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Kenneth and Minnie Mae (Terrell) Carpenter, his brothers William, Matthew, Harley, and Willard, as well as sisters, Molly and Jane, and a son, Benjamin Martin Carpenter.
Ben is survived by wife, Barbara Carpenter, daughter Stephanie Eslin (Denny) of Elk City, Trish Mock of Owasso, Romy Shrier (Chris) of Tulsa, son, John Carpenter (Emily) of Guthrie, Catherine Owen (Matt) of Piedmont, Anna Coffin (Matt) of Alvada, OH, sisters Shirley of Tulsa, Twila of Tulsa, and Deana of Tulsa, 15 grandkids, and 2 great- grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ben will be greatly missed by all who loved him, both friends and family.
A funeral service will be held at First Christian Church, 402 E. Noble Ave., Friday, January 24, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.
Viewing for Ben will be Thursday, January 23, 2:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.