Frank Carpenter

Frank L. Carpenter, 84, of Wister, OK passed away Monday, April 11, 2016 at the Talihina Veterans Center.  Frank was born on July 15, 1931 in Kennedy, OK to A.L. "Doc" & Lula Frances (Wilson) Carpenter.  Frank was the 7th of 8 children.  He graduated with the Fanshawe High School Class of 1949.  Frank received his Associates Degree from Poteau Community College and also became a qualified telegrapher.  In 1951 and 1952, he worked as a telegrapher for the Santa Fe Railroad in Arizona and New Mexico.  He was drafted into the US Army and entered service during the Korean War.  He served in the Army from January 1953 until Dec 1954, when he received his honorable discharge after spending almost all of 1954 stationed in South Korea.

          On February 11, 1955, he married Nadine Warren, with whom he was to spend the next 60 years.  He completed his BS in Education at East Central University, Ada, OK in 1956.  He went on to later receive his Master's Degree in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK.  He also completed the School Superintendent's Program at Texas A&M University- Commerce.  Frank began his 30 year teaching career at  LeFlore Public Schools in LeFlore, OK in the fall of 1956.  During the first ten years, he taught classes in social science and woodshop while coaching junior & senior high boys baseball and basketball.  In his ten years as head H.S. basketball coach his boys never had a losing season and he led his team to the OSSAA State Basketball Championship Tournament in 1965. 

          Frank served in the capacity of H.S. Principal for 10 years; his final 13 years of service to the district was as its Superintendent of Schools until his retirement in June, 1986.

          Along with his wife Nadine, Frank owned and operated a cattle ranch.  Frank enjoyed ranching very much and took great pride in improving his land and cattle herd.

He and Nadine always wanted to be good neighbors to all of the fine people in their community.  Frank was a 32nd Degree Master Mason for over 50 years.  He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, cousin, teacher, coach and friend.  Most importantly, he was saved by the blood of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and he has an eternal home in heaven.  Frank was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Wister, OK.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine; his parents; sister, Ona Wiggington; sister & brothers in law, Ola & Owen Martin, Brown & Luella Todd; brothers, Almon  & Bob Carpenter; nephew, Don  A. Martin; numerous other loved ones whose memories he cherished.

          Survivors include his daughter, Teresa Dupree & husband Ronnie of Clinton, OK; son, Jerry Carpenter & wife Brenda of Wister, OK; 10 Grandchildren, Walker Dupree of Weatherford, OK, Warren Dupree & wife Jenna of Porter, OK, Melanie Ward & husband Dallas of Wister, OK, Kylee Carpenter of Poteau, OK, Lane Carpenter & wife Kylie of Wister, OK, Kimberlyn Carpenter & Jerret Carpenter of Wister, OK, Hunter Prock of Seattle, WA, Bailey Adams & Cole Adams of Wister, OK; great grandchildren, Rylan Tobey of Poteau, OK Tristen Dupree, Farrah Dupree of Weatherford, OK, Jerra,  Bryar & Bronc Ward of Wister, OK;  brother & sister in law, Vernon & Joann Carpenter of Winner, SD; sister & brother in law, Margie & Leo Crist of Newton, KS; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 10 am, Friday, April 15, 2016  at LeFlore High School Gym, LeFlore, OK  with Revs. Clyde Steelman, Bryan Fields & Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Wister, OK.

The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen to entrust the care of the services to

Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK