Billy Joe Carpenter's Obituary
Billy Joe Carpenter, 92 of Allerton passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025 at Westview of Indianola Care Center.
Bill was born to Elmer (Pete) & Martha (Nete) (McMurry) Carpenter in Promise City, Iowa on February 24, 1933. He received his education from Corydon High School, graduating in 1951. He participated in basketball and track. He held the high jump record for 20 years at 6'1". He then attended Iowa State University, receiving a degree in Ag Engineering in 1956. He was united in marriage to Mildred Jean Terril in 1953. To this union came four children: Allen, Debbie, Roger and Susan. After the death of his first wife, he later married Ida McClaflin.
Bill was employed by International Harvester, Moline, IL after receiving his BA and then returned to Wayne County to farm in 1961 for the remainder of his life.
He enjoyed farming, collecting toys, putting puzzles together, activities of his grandchildren, going to the "Boat", and having conversations with people whether he knew them or not.
Bill was involved in his community on the board of directors of the Corydon State Bank and REC, Wayne Community School Board, Wayne County Fair Board and 4-H leader.
Survivors include his children, Allen Carpenter (Debbie), Debbie Johnson (Rex), Roger Carpenter (Susan), Susan Pierce (Jody); grandchildren, Brett Carpenter (Amy), Brandon Carpenter (Molly), Breanne Leymaster (Beau), Brady Carpenter, Bryce Carpenter (Taylor), Bronson Carpenter (Kylee), Terry Johnson (Michelle), Ben Johnson (Amy), Andy Johnson (Camilla), Mindy Horton (Sam Meeker), Heidi Carpenter, Bo Carpenter (Heather), Andrew Casey (Tessa), Erin Casey (Jake McDonald), Grady Carpenter, Thane Pierce (Sami), Kiele Perea-Schaefer (Julian), and Kalyn Edgar (Nick); 42 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; wife, Ida; and numerous extended family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Carpenter; parents, Pete and Nete Carpenter; his in-laws, Ashton and Bernadine Terril; and siblings, Betty & Bud Brown and Jim & Betty Carpenter .
Funeral service will be 10:00 am, Monday, January 5, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Interment will immediately follow at Corydon Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-3:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to either Wayne County Fair or Suncrest Hospice and condolences may be shared at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
Billy's service will be streamed live at: https://my.gather.app/remember/billy-carpenter-2025
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