John Burke Carpenter, age 81, of Dallas Cherryville Hwy. died January 18, 2015 at his residence. He was born April 8, 1933 in Lincoln County a son of the late John Edward Carpenter, Jr. and Lockie Lynch Carpenter.

John was a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he was a Sunday School teacher. Mr. Carpenter proudly served his country in the US Navy where he served aboard the USS Macon, graduate of Tryon High School and NC State College, and was a retired from the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources as dairy inspector for Western North Carolina and was formerly employed by Carnation Milk as a Field Rep. John had traveled to 49 states in his life, received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Gov. Jim Hunt in 1998, and was a member of the Bojangles Breakfast Club and various other breakfast groups.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Iris Lucille Carpenter Carpenter in 2012, and three brothers Hal, Frank, and Gordon Carpenter.

Survivors include his son John B. Carpenter, Jr. and wife Kelly of Stanley, two grandchildren Hannah and Leah Carpenter, sister in laws Prue Carpenter, Lincolnton, Shirley Carpenter, Lincolnton, Linda Carpenter, Stanley and a brother in law Frederick Carpenter, Lincolnton and a special niece Marcella Cox and husband Matt and their daughter Mareena.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 2PM at Bethel Lutheran Historic Church with Rev. Steven King officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Carpenter's Funeral and Cremation Services Tuesday from 6-8 PM and at other times at the home.

Full military honors by the Gaston County Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 509, Long Shoals Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092.

Condolences may be made at www.carpentersfuneralhome.net