Carpenter, Ernest

Ernest Rex Carpenter, 79, Clovis, died Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at his home.

He was born on July 22, 1924, in Texico, to John Otis and Mary Inez Carpenter.

He was a 4-H leader. He was also a PRCA calf and steer roper and bulldogger. Family members said he loved fishing, hunting and reading about history.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold and Bud Carpenter; two sisters, Nellie Jo Maberry and infant Margaret Melvina Carpenter.

Survivors include his wife, Murl Lavonia of the home; Two brothers, Cleo and Lamoyne Carpenter; three sons, Ronald Rex Carpenter (and wife, Nancy), Jimmy Dale Carpenter (Brenda) and Charles Otis Carpenter (Karen); three daughters, Janice Victoria Coffman, Kathy Looper (Steve), Dianne Myers (Richard); 12 grandchildren, Jason, Tyson, Monica, Todd, Michael, Devin and Tristan Carpenter, Kara Weaver, Sharla McDonald, Tammara Castellini and Whitney and Ashley Myers; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The Rev. Jason Swope and Herbert Bergstrom will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Mission Gardens of Memories in Clovis.

Pallbearers are Jason, Tyson, Todd, Devin and Tristan Carpenter, Michael Coffman, Jerry Castellini and Todd Weaver.

Honorary pallbearers are Tom Wade, Leroy Nuttall, Bill McIntosh, Ralph Brent, L.T. Hart, Cowboy Halliday, Lamb Mackechnie, Tommy Taylor, Bill Glenn, Curtis Jones and Mac Bowers.

Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home of Clovis.