Johnnie Lee Carpenter (Seymour)'s Obituary
Johnnie Lee Carpenter was born November 29, 1951, in Marshfield, Missouri, to Elmer Leroy and Melba Jean (Snelson) Carpenter, and departed this earthly life Friday, July 19, 2019, at his residence in Fordland, Missouri. He was sixty-seven years, seven months and twenty days of age.
Johnnie was raised in Fordland with his two sisters. He was a graduate of the Fordland High School Class of 1969. In 1971, he began working as a maintenance planner for General Electric in Springfield, Missouri. Johnnie soon met the love of his life, Donna Rae Simmons, and they were married on June 23, 1972. To this union one son, Jonathan, was born. Johnnie served for a time in the United States Army Reserve, and continued to be a loyal employee of GE, retiring in 2012 after 41 years of service.
Johnnie was saved at a David Letterman revival and later baptized while attending Lone Star Freewill Baptist Church in Seymour. He liked to watch boxing and had fun playing cards, especially poker and Rook. Johnnie and his family loved to travel and went on many family trips. They had great times vacationing in Florida, Tennessee and St. Louis, and going to the horse races in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Johnnie was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Reverend Bobby Ray Simmons, and brother-in-law, Dr. James Cordonia.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Donna, and devoted son, Jonathan; his sisters, Jeanette Carpenter and Beverly Cordonia, both of Springfield; mother-in-law, Jo Simmons, of Seymour; two sisters-in-law, Debbie and Bob Kastning, of Seymour, and Tresa and Dennis Coday, of Diggins; brother-in-law, Chris and Cara Simmons, of Hartville; several nieces and nephews, and many more extended family and dear friends.
Johnnie was a wonderful husband and ‘the Best Dad in the World’. He was a caring brother, loyal friend and faithful employee. He was devoted to his family, and though he has left us too soon, Johnnie made a heart-full of memories and happy times that will be treasured by his family and friends forever.
In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home for the family or the Muscular Dystrophy Assocation (MDA) or St. Judes Children's Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of Johnnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Johnnie?
Share a story where Johnnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Johnnie you’ll never forget.
How did Johnnie make you smile?
