Robert L. Carpenter

Robert "Bob" Lee Carpenter

Always Willing to Help Others -

Robert “Bob” Lee Carpenter, age 87, of Carlisle, was reunited with his wife and sons on Thursday, July 25, 2019. Bob was born on Saturday, September 12, 1931 in Huntingdon to the late Walter Smithfield Carpenter and Minnie Rebecca (Barr) Carpenter. Bob was the widower of Dorothy Margaret (Railing) Carpenter, whom he married on June 23, 1949, and who died on May 23, 2010. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob is preceded in death by his two sons, Luke A. Carpenter and Robert E. Carpenter; and his four siblings: Melvin Carpenter, Lloyd Carpenter, Kenneth Carpenter and Mary Wetzel.

Bob’s survivors include his four children: Delbert “DJ” James Carpenter and his wife, Sylvia, of Grafton, WV; Angel May Stone and her husband, Larry, of Rimersburg; Aaron Smithfield Carpenter and his wife, Vicke, of Carlisle; Nita May Swarner and her husband, Dan, of Carlisle; his 13 grandchildren; his 15 great-grandchildren; his 12 great- great-grandchildren; his two siblings: George E. Carpenter of Mt. Holly, Thelma Grogan of Carlisle; and his several nieces and nephews.

Bob retired from Carlisle Tire and Rubber in Carlisle, after 43 years of service working as a mechanic and molder.     He was a member of Williams Grove Steam Engine Association. Bob was extremely mechanical and could fix anything but a broken heart.  He loved being in the outdoors, whether it was camping with family and friends, hiking in the forest, fishing on a lake or hunting his favorite spot.  He was known for his sense of humor and being on time, unless he was waiting on his wife, Dorothy.  During a telephone call, when asked, “What are you doing?” he would always reply, “Talking to you.” Bob was the consummate family man, who cherished the time that he spent with his family.  Some of his favorite pastimes were preparing dinner every Sunday afternoon, after church, and taking long Sunday drives through the countryside.  He was a great cook and even taught his daughters how to make his famous gravy.  Bob will be greatly missed by his family and they will fondly remember his willingness to help his family, friends and neighbors.

All are welcome to join Bob’s family at his viewing on Friday, August 2, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant PattiVogl officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Trindle Spring Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to his sister Thelma Grogan who so lovingly cared for Bob during his illness.

Bob’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bob’s full obituary, view his memorial video and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.