Rodney Ray Carpenter

Rodney Ray Carpenter, 83, of Quaker City, died Tuesday (July 10, 2007) at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta. He was born on March 20, 1924 in Quaker City, son of the late Alva Carpenter and Mary (Yost) Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter retired from Matlack, where he had been a truck driver. He received a certificate from the State of Ohio Senate recognizing him for his 34-year career with Matlack. During this time, he continually demonstrated dedication by performing his duties with the utmost eifficiency and competence. He traveled more than three million miles hauling dry goods without ever being charged with a major accident, spill, or even a traffic citation. He was a 1943 graduate of Batesville High School and a member of the Ruritans. Mr. Carpenter was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian Carpenter; and two sisters, Zelma Huebner and Mary Lois Suhr. He leaves his wife, Erma (Hertzog) Carpenter of the home, whom he married on April 26, 1975; a son, Larry (& Donna) Carpenter of Claysville; a daughter, Rita Grizzard of Byesville; two step-sons, Jim (& Sharon) House of Mentor and Dave (& Marilyn) House of Florida; five brothers, Herbert D. (& Esther) Carpenter of Quaker City, Connie (& Marsha) Carpenter of Westerville; Robert (& Elaine) Carpenter of West Lafayette, Frank (& Bessie) Carpenter of Caldwell and Max (& Sharon) Carpenter of Quaker City; four sisters, Olive Maurer of Columbus, Lenna (& Alfred) Clauss of North Olmstead, Dorothy (& Robert) Morris of Summerfield and Norma (& McKinley) Morris of Summerfield; six grandchildren, Steven Holt, Sandi Walker, Dennis Carpenter, Bryan Carpenter, Desirae Grizzard and Devon Pennell; five great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews; and his close friend, Scooby Shuman. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Quaker City, where services will be held on Friday (July 13, 2007) at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Eschbaugh officiating. Burial will be at Friends Cemetery, Quaker City, with military graveside services conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council.