1954 – 2025
William “Bill” J. Carpenter passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Christmas Day in 1954, Bill was known to his many friends as “Carp” or “Willie.”
Bill was raised on the family farm north of Boone in the unincorporated community of Ridgeport and remained in the Ridgeport/Boone area his entire life. A 1973 graduate of Boone High School, Bill stayed close with his classmates and played a key role in organizing reunions — proudly attending his 50th in 2024.
He earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from DMACC but soon followed his entrepreneurial spirit to start Carpenter Construction, Inc. in 1982, selling and building grain bins. In 1987, he became a dealer with Lester Building Systems, launching his successful career in pole building construction. Bill was well-known and highly respected in the industry — across a four-county radius, you will find grain bins and buildings bearing the Carpenter Construction name.
On March 22, 1986, Bill married Lila Leininger. Together they raised Lila’s two children, Michael and Kristen, whom Bill loved and treated as his own. The family shared many memories camping, fishing, attending MLB and NFL games, and vacationing at Disney World and New York City. He passed down a strong work ethic to his kids — one of his favorite sayings was, “I love to see kids work!”
Bill loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and spending time at the cabin he owned north of his home. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers and Iowa State Cyclones. He played on the Adobe men’s slow-pitch softball team and bowled in the local farmers’ league. Bill also enjoyed hosting friends and family for pontoon rides at Don Williams Lake. One of his favorite songs was “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw — and that’s exactly how he lived: with joy, generosity and enthusiasm. He never met a stranger. Bill was also a fan of laughter, comedy movies, attending concerts and being a huge jokester, playing pranks on many friends and family members, who often found ways to get him back.
After being widowed in 2001, Bill found love again and married Lori Litrell aboard a cruise ship in February 2014. Together, they enjoyed many cruises and adventures, traveling with friends and spending time with family.
Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Lila Carpenter; parents, John and Ruth Carpenter; in-laws, Lowell and Jessie Leininger; and his beloved cousin, Julie Molesky of Anaheim, California.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Carpenter; step-children Michael Crouthamel (Tina), Kristen Crouthamel (Josh), and daughter-in-law Amy Crouthamel; grandchildren Kenley and Lila Crouthamel; Lori’s children and grandchildren; sister Marsha Crouthamel (Scott); his dear cousin and lifelong friend Bart Kennedy; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
A funeral service for Bill was held on Friday, June 6 at First Baptist Church in Boone. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to the Boone County Hospital Foundation, Lila Carpenter Scholarship Fund — established by Bill in memory of his late wife.