Afton “J” Carpenter (A.J.), age 97, completed his “Hour Upon the Stage” in this life and passed on to see his parents, Frank and Lucinda Carpenter and siblings, Bertha, Ora, Florence, Ivan, Floyd and grandson, Bennett, on October 9, 2019 in Gilbert, Az. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lorna, and children: Jack (LeAnn), Bruce (Lise), Lee Ann (Jim), Brynn (Gordon), Jetaun (Peter), Lisa (Ed), and his brother Reid. He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren.
A.J. was a World War II veteran and served in the South Pacific. He was a member of the National Guard and was inducted into the Army September, 1940. Soon after he transferred into the 158th Infantry Band and served as a Bandsman in the many places he was stationed.
After his discharge he returned to his home in Thatcher, AZ and attended Gila College for two years and graduated from Brigham Young University. He taught English, Journalism and Reading Improvement in various high schools for 11 years. He then taught at Phoenix Junior College for the next 20 years.
He was a gentle man who loved his family and was a great example to others. His great joy was in the success and happiness of his family. He was a faithful servant in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Val Vista 9th Ward, 1150 E. Guadalupe Rd. in Gilbert, AZ, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. There will also be a visitation Friday evening, October 18 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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