Donald "Don" Edward Carpenter

Donald “Don” Edward Carpenter of Caro, age 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community. Don was born at home in Caro on the family farm on May 1, 1937, to the late William and Geraldine (Smith) Carpenter and was a 1954 graduate of Caro High School. He proudly served his country in the United States National Guard, attending meetings in Saginaw and spending two weeks each summer at Camp Grayling. Don worked as a resident assistant for the Caro Regional Center, retiring as a supervisor in 1999. Don met Carolyn Botkins through mutual friends, and the couple would marry on September 5, 1958. She is left to cherish his memory. He was born into farming and took over after his father passed when he was young, helping to provide for his mother and sister. Don was a quiet man who mostly kept to himself. He enjoyed working with his hands, be it fixing antique engines or teaching woodworking to the residents at the Caro Center. He loved going to engine and tractor shows throughout the region and cherished time with his beloved family.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Carolyn; children, Dave (Chris) Carpenter, Dean Carpenter, and Beth (Tim) Hoppe; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and nieces, Meg, Marla, Meredith, and Marcie; as well as many other family members and friends.

In additional to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Carpenter, and grandchildren, Amber Carpenter and Dean Carpenter, Jr.

A funeral service for Don will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, Michigan, with Pastor Henry Pahlkotter presiding. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service, with a committal to follow at Wahjamega Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family, with checks made payable to Carolyn Carpenter.