John Carpenter

John R. Carpenter, age 78, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital in Saginaw. John was born July 16, 1933 on the family farmstead near Caro, the son of the late Pearl & Elizabeth (Middleton) Carpenter and was a lifelong area resident. Following his service in the Army during the Korean Conflict, John returned home and began his employment with the Village of Caro, retiring in 1995. John was united in marriage with the former Edith Tadlock in January of 1956 in Caro and cherished more than fifty-four years with her, caring for twelve children, before the death of Edith on May 14, 2010. During Johns free time, he enjoyed hunting and working on cars. Surviving John are eleven children and their spouses, Art & Donna Brinkman of Grayling, Sue Ann Brinkman of Caro, Judy Brinkman of Flint, Danny Lee Croson of Mayville, Joyce & Tim German of Caro, Robert Carpenter of Caseville, Johnnie & Dawn Carpenter of Caro, Betty Johns of Orlando, Florida, Jim Smutek of Vassar, Danny & Jessica Carpenter of Clio, Donny Carpenter of Bay City; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Edith, John was preceded in death by one son, Stanley Brinkman.