Robert Alan "Bob" Carpenter, age 59 of Warner Robins, GA., and formerly of Elwood, died August 9, 2014 at Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins after an extended illness. He was born April 1, 1955 in Elwood, the son of Ralph L. Carpenter and Helen (Tyner) Merritt. He retired in 2011 from Robins Air Force Base Logistics Center where he was an Electronic Technician for 26 years. Bob was a 1973 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He attended Indiana University from 1974- 1979 and graduated from Middle Georgia Technical College in 1987 with highest honors in Electronic Technology. Bob married Rhonda Murray on December 20, 2002. He traveled extensively with his job, visiting many states in the United States and many foreign countries. Bob loved to travel and plan vacations, his favorite were cruises to the Caribbean. He enjoyed reading and gardening, attracting birds to his yard, and his Cuban cigar collection. He was an avid fan of the Indiana University basketball, Indianapolis Colts football, and Cincinnati Reds baseball teams. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Bob's family includes his wife, Rhonda Carpenter of Warner Robins, GA; mother, Helen Merritt of Warner Robins, GA; father Ralph L. Carpenter of Alexandria; mother-in-law, Rosella Murray of Fishers; step-son, Todd (wife Anne Marie) Adams of Kokomo; half-sister, Marianne Tipton of Elwood; aunts and uncles, Dan Merritt of CA, Raeanna Merritt of Elwood, Carol (husband Monte) Kleyla of Elwood, Virginia Carpenter of Elwood, and Dorothy Allen of Ohio; sister-in-law, Linda Kidwell of Noblesville; cousins, Ed (wife Angie) Alley, Mark (Julie) Merritt, good friend Ernie Genone; and beloved pet, "Casey" the cockatoo.

He was preceded in death by his step father, Gary "Don" Merritt in 2011; grandparents, Rush & Lessie Carpenter and Harry & Edna Tyner; half-brothers, David Carpenter, Mark Carpenter, Jeff Carpenter, and Eric Carpenter; uncles, Harold Carpenter, Horace Carpenter, Richard Merritt and Jim Merritt; aunts, Mary Carpenter, Alcyone Alley, and Verna Merritt .

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.
Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation or the Madison County Humane Society through the funeral home; or Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, 712 LG Griffin Rd., Locust Grove GA 30248. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.