Claire Carpenter

Full Military Honors will take place at the church on Tue.

Well done, good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master's happiness.
- Matthew 25:21

Weldon Carpenter, 72, surrounded in his family's love, went home to rest in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009. He was born November 30, 1936 in Blairsburg, IA to Mitchell John and Gleneva (Kennedy) Carpenter. After graduating from Grand Rapids(MN) High School in 1954, he enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1955 through 1959. He was assigned to the USS Sterlet, a WWII diesel submarine, from 1957 through 1959. From 1958 through 1959, he served on the USS Chowanoc, a 205-foot tugboat. In addition to many other experiences, he participated in a 1958 test of an atomic bomb in the South Pacific. Weldon then separated from the Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1961.

Weldon,…"I know of no other man who is as comfortable in his faith as you have
been. Observing how you react in times of duress and your ability to instantly bring a smile to the faces of those around you has provided me with a natural role model."

While attending Itasca Community College (MN), Weldon met and married Cynthia Lynne Craig in 1961. His pursuit of a college degree prompted their move to Mankato(MN), and he graduated from Mankato State College in 1964 with a BS in Sociology/Psychology. By then Weldon and Cynthia had two daughters, and the family moved to Aurora (CO) where he began his career as a Probation Officer for the City of Denver, 2nd Judicial District. He worked there from 1964 to 1972. A move to Greeley (CO) came in 1972, where as a Probation Officer, he worked for a year in the 19th Judicial District, followed by a ten-month stint with the CO State Department of Corrections. Another job offer in Probation was the catalyst for their move to the mountain town of Leadville (CO).


He worked for the 5th Judicial District from 1973 to 1983, covering Lake, Eagle, and Summit Counties. In 1984, Weldon and Cynthia moved back to Aurora (CO) when he received a promotion to Chief of Probation for the City of Aurora. He retired from this career in 1994 after 30 years of dedicated service.


Weldon,…"your spirit is strong, and the path you walk is one that guides us all."


Weldon was not ready to live the life of a retiree yet, however, so in 1994, he began working for the Aurora Parks Department in the Operations and Maintenance Division. Work as a Turf Maintenance Technician was playtime for him because he got to mow with "Big Red" and push snow around in the winter. The time did come, however, when he wanted to take some special trips with Cynthia, camp with her in their cozy trailer, and sip coffee while reading their daily devotionals to each other every morning. He retired from work for good in 1998. Throughout his adult life, Weldon was a true patriot, a man who loved his country and was passionate in his desire to serve it. He would have gladly continued his enlistment in the Navy, but a position wasn't open for his rank at that time, so he received an honorable discharge. In 1979, the timing felt right again to offer his service and he enlisted in the Army Reserve, assigned to the 244th Engineers Combat Heavy - 1st MTC. He spent his weekend drills continuing his military training, attending multiple schools including Heavy Vehicle Driver training, Food Service, and Graves' Registration for Desert Storm. For 15 years, Weldon's unit conducted a different construction project each summer. Over the years this included building roadways in Honduras and Alaska. Weldon then transferred to the 416th Facilities Engineers, inspecting various Reserve units within his region. Having risen to the rank of Sergeant First Class, he retired in 1996.


Weldon,…"He allows everyone he talks with to feel as if he is the most special and most important person in the room. His unfailing kindness; that twinkle in his eye. The truth is… it's Weldon who is the special one. The most special."


Weldon's personal walk with God led him to share his faith with others. If he saw someone struggling, he encouraged. Those who were conflicted, he reminded to pray. God blessed him with the gifts of humor, compassion, and responsibility, and he shared those gifts freely. Weldon saw a friend in everyone, was curious to know his story, to be his brother in Christ. He was honored to serve at Faith Church as an Elder, usher, greeter, and member of the choir and Men's Fellowship.


"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."- Hebrews 4:16



Cynthia is the love of his life, and during their 47 years of marriage they forged a bond that endured any hardship to emerge stronger in their faith in God and love for one other. Over the years, their patience and firm commitment to their marriage was rewarded with God's blessings, and they trusted in His divine plan for their lives. As his health began to fail, Weldon and Cynthia were at peace knowing God was in control. While those who love Weldon are saddened by the loss of such a loving man, we rejoice for him to be in the presence of Our Heavenly Father.

In addition to Cynthia, he is survived by their daughter Lynney Graves and son-in-law, Tim of Marana, AZ, and granddaughters, Bri of Fairbanks, AK, and Cori of Marana, AZ; their daughter Janet Bronsert and son-in-law, Ken, and granddaughters, Aly and Katy of Fort Collins, CO; his two wonderful mothers, Gleneva Wright of Aurora, CO and Elizabeth Carpenter of Fort Collins, CO; uncle and aunt, Don and Opal Doolittle of Webster City, IA; uncle Darrell Kennedy of Des Moines, IA; aunt Sarah Roggintien of Williamsburg, IA; sister-in law Kay Carpenter of Grand Rapids, MN; nieces Laurie (Rick) Powers of Brainerd, MN; Julie (Jim) Tracy of Grand Rapids, MN; Kristi (Kevin) Gross of Bigfork, MN; sister-in-law Nadine (Frank) Burns of Vancouver, WA; numerous cousins and their families; one grand-niece; four grand-nephews; one great grand-niece, and three great-grand nephews. His special daughter and grandson, Kimberly Carlson and Hunter of Aurora, CO, and long-time family friend Verna Boltz of Denver, Colorado also survive him. Preceding him in death are father Mike Carpenter, father Weldon Wright, brother Jack Carpenter, and mother-in-law Vera Craig.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 10 am, at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 11373 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora, CO 80012. Donations may be made to the church in Weldon's name. Cremation has occurred and internment with full military honors will be at Fort Logan Military Cemetery at a later date.

Weldon,…"never a soul hath lived with so brilliant a smile, so affectionate a laugh, and so warm a hug."