Alva Carpenter

Alva Francis Carpenter (Frank), age 83, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020, in Fort Stockton, Texas. Frank was born on June 13, 1936, to Alva and Velma McElhannon Carpenter, in Anthony, New Mexico.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years,  Carolyn Brown Carpenter, of Fort Stockton, Texas; his daughter, Velma Kay Campbell, of Fort Stockton, Tx and his son, Steven Francis Carpenter, of  Dell City, Texas; three grandsons, Jacob Campbell, Ben Campbell, and Dan Campbell; granddaughters Laura Stoner Thorton, and husband,  James, of Fort Stockton,  and Denise Stoner Meierhoff, and husband, Frank, of Fort Stockton; grandchildren Kayden Stoner, Zoe Baker, Jessica Meierhoff, Ciara Meierhoff, and Ashlyn Meierhoff,  of Fort Stockton; nieces Maura Carpenter, and Tricia Brown; nephews Jay Brown, John Brown, and Kyle Brown; great nephews, Jacob and Kaleb Johnson of Fort Stockton; numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Velma McElhannon Carpenter; daughter Linda Lou Carpenter Stoner; brother John Mac Carpenter; nephew Lawrence Carpenter; and great niece Cheyenne Johnson.

Frank grew up in Grandfalls, Texas and attended college at Las Cruces New Mexico University. Frank and Carolyn married April 19, 1957, and moved to Bakersfield, Texas where they had three children, Kay, Linda, and Steve Carpenter. Frank was a hard-working independent man who married a hard-working independent woman and raised three hard-working independent children. They lived and worked in Bakersfield for over 20 years, raising their family in a farming and ranching lifestyle. During his time as a farmer and rancher, Frank was an active member of the Pecos County Farm Bureau and served several terms as president.

In 1978, Frank left farming and ranching and began working for the University of Texas in their Vineyard projects. He was an active member of the Texas Grape Growers and was awarded the T.V. Munson Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Texas Grape Industry in 1996. In 1998, he retired from the University of Texas after 19 years. Frank continued to work as a consultant and vineyard manager for several years after his retirement with the University.

Frank was an active member of the Texas Historical Society in Fort Stockton, Texas, for many years and served as president for two terms. He was passionate about sharing history with the young and old. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to the Historical Society of Fort Stockton. You may contact the Annie Riggs Museum for more information.

Public visitation will be held Monday, February 24, from 6-8PM, at Heritage Funeral Home, 301 N. Main, Fort Stockton, Texas. Services will be Tuesday, February 25, at 1PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Oklahoma, Fort Stockton.