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Funeral: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Christian Wildy Carpenter, age 64, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Saturday evening, March 4, 2017, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Chris was born April 28, 1952, in Fresno, California, the son of Howard “Duke” and Rena (Marquardt) Carpenter.
For almost 50 years, Chris was part of Duke’s Drive-In of Flora, both working in and operating the business. He was also the owner of Hot Spot Tanning in Olney. Chris was dedicated to his businesses, which were built on the belief of always putting people first with an exceptionally giving and caring heart. He had a soft spot for children and animals, loved and valued his family and employees, and had a friendly smile and generous time to talk with everyone. His sense of humor led to playing some memorable practical jokes, and it was rare to see Chris without his coffee mug nearby. He enjoyed playing pool with friends, and the chance to throw a game of washers at family get-togethers.
He is survived by 4 siblings: Tom Carpenter (wife Lou Ann) of Louisville, Rod Carpenter (wife Jonah) of Flora, Linda Powers (husband Allen) of Olney, and Terry Carpenter (life partner Donna Beason) of Mattoon; nephews and nieces: Anthony Carpenter (significant other Jama Stapleton), Janie Krutsinger (husband Brad), Jeremy Carpenter (wife Angella), Amanda Powers (significant other Alan Gill), Wesley Powers (wife Erin), and Jessica Carpenter (fiancé Casey Owen); great-nephews and nieces: Dawson, Devon, Keith, Sierra, Triston (wife Jessica), Joshua, Lacey, Asia, Maria, Ethan, Eli, Stella, and Avery; a great-great-niece: Addilyn; and his extended family of employees and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Chris Carpenter will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Allen Lucas officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to either assisting the family with expenses or to a charity of the donor’s choice, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Dec 28, 1946 - Apr 30, 2024
Feb 10, 1975 - Apr 28, 2024
Mar 18, 1985 - Apr 28, 2024
Oct 15, 1958 - Apr 26, 2024
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
The community is going to miss the man so much. Prayers for all the family. R.I.P. Chris.
So sorry for your loss Chris will definitely be missed may God comfort you in this hour of sorrow
A great man and asset to Flora. You will be missed by all who knew you
We are so sorry to hear Chris passed away. He will be missed by many. He was a very nice person and was so friendly to everyone. Prayers for the family. RIP, Chris.
My prayers are with the family, He will be truly missed in this area
So sorry to hear of Chris's passing, he will truly be missed. Dukes won't be the same without him! Prayers for comfort as you go through this difficult time.
Chris, you will be missed so much by so many. May you rest peacefully. Prayers for your family and friends.
We send prayers out to the family. Chris was such a sweet man. We will miss his beautiful smile.
Chris was an amazing guy and never knew a stranger. .Will miss our talks when we come out to eat. ..Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone...hugs
So sorry for your loss...You are all in ourthoughts prayers. ..hugs
Lots of fond memories with many friends made at Duke's Resturant back years ago. Chris will be sadly missed by so many in this area.
I will forever miss our hours long conversations. Chris was an amazing person. I've seen him give money to the undeserving and show kindness to the angry spirited. Chris quietly gave to so many people and organizations. I will always remember making him laugh until he cried. He made the BEST root beer in the world. I will forever miss you my friend.
It is very sad to lose another proment business owner. Chris will be sadly missed. Sorry for your loss. He was a great person.
God needed another angel so he chose Chris. So sorry for your loss.Chris was a super person and always had time to talk. He will sure be missed. R.I.P. Chris
Chris was a wonderful man. He was full of spirit and knew how to make people laugh. He will always hold a special place in my heart and in my kids' heart. Prayers are being raised for his family.
A great man taken to soon, you will be missed by so many!
So sad to hear of Chris's passing. He was one of the nicest guys ever! He always had a smile and kind word when you came to his restaurant. He will be mussed greatly in the community!
Sorry for the loss he was a very good man and had a big heart. Sending prayers for the family in their time of this loss.
Chris is one of the good guys! We spent many after hours playing pool and fishing and skiing. He will be sorely missed by all.
Chris will be missed by many. Prayers go out to family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, he was such a sweet guy, he will be missed by many
Sorry for your loss, Thought a lot of him,
Chris's kindness and friendship will be missed by many. rest in peace our friend
So sorry to hear of Chris's passing.
Prayers for the family so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.
We are so sorry for your loss!! Chris was a great man!! We will truly miss him!! God Bless!!
So sorry for your loss. Chris was a great guy. He will be missed my many. Prayers for the family
We were so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. I remember working for here as a teenager out at Dukes and he was the friendliest guy you would ever meet. He will be missed by the whole community. Prayers for his family. Terri &a Aaron Landreth
Prayers for everyone. He will be missed by many..great guy :)
Greatly missed by the community! Such a great man!!
We enjoyed some great food and conversation with Chris out at Duke's. He always made time to sit down and talk to Sandy and I. We will miss that. RIP Chris.
He was such a good person. He made deliveries, made sure everyone had what they needed. He took pride in his restruant. Its so sad he left this world to early but god wanted him more... Rest in peace Chris.
Chris will be greatly missed by many. Chris had a great caring heart and assisted many individuals in his lifetime. Thoughts and prayers to family, friends, and acquaintances. RIP.
So sorry for your loss! Praying and thinking of the family. Chris was a wonderful man. Our kids loved seeing him at dukes. He always interacted with them every time we ate there. Everything he seen me at work when he dropped off food, he would always say hi and ask me how my day was. He always put a smile on my face no matter what kind of day I was having. He will be truly missed. So sad to see him gone. RIP Chris.
So sorry for your loss. Chris was a friend to everyone, he will missed by many. Praying that God fills you with his love and many wonderful memories of your loved one.
Prayers to family employees friends you will b greatly missed N talking to you at Duke's you would always rmbr what we needed when we came in a good man again prayers to all sorry for ur loss
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
My prayers go out to the family. Chris was a very good hearted person he will be missed by all
So sorry for your loss.chris touched alot of hearts in many people with all of the great acts of kindness that he did. God received another angel. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time
Chris always had a smile for everyone and I will miss his stories. Chris was a kind and good man that will be missed by all who knew him.
he will be missed by many and that smile he always had
Our thoughts and prayers to not only the family but to his"work families". Chris was a unique person, caring,compassionate,and generous,we seen him help many people, whether it was monetary, food, paying a bill it did'nt matter, if he could help he generally would. he had a knack being able to remember what so many people liked to order, and very seldom would miss an opportunity to sit for a spell,and talk. we will miss listening to his views on politics, things going on in the community,or new business ideas, he was pondering on. He did'nt let on that he was feeling bad, he was busy 24/7, we are all still in shock that he is gone. God has lifted all his burdens, he can rest now. It's with heavy hearts we say goodbye!
This is truly a sad day for the people of Clay County. I spent a lot of time and quarters in Dukes, as well as my children. I will miss him. He will be remembered for a long time as a kind and sweet soul. God be with you all.
So very sorry for the loss of a good friend... Chris will be sadly missed by many. Prayers to all.. Fly high my friend
Chris was such a nice guy. He will be missed so much. Rest in Peace
HEAVEN HAS GAINED ANOTHER ANGEL...FLY HIGH CJRIS!!
Prayers,to the family
First place I ever worked when relocating to this area from Springfield in the 70s. A good man who will be missed.
So sorry for your loss praying for the friends and family you will be miss by many 😥
Chris will be missed by his family, as well, as his many friends. He will be remembered as a very kind and caring man. Remembering his family and employees in our prayers.
Prayers for the family. Chris was a great person we ate breakfast there many a days and supper. The grandchildren loved going to eat at Duke's when they spent the night with me. The community has lost another good person and will be sadly missed.
So very sorry to hear of Chris' passing. Chris was so nice, we always enjoyed eating there and conversations with Chris. He truly lived for his business and employees. Our hearts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed!
I met Chris 30 years ago while working at the A&W. It was a great place to have a first job. Chris, his parents, and brothers were all very kind. My prayers go out to Chris' family, friends, and customers.
Chris was such a sweet person, caring and so friendly. There is many memories of his goodness.
We ate at Dukes often, Chris was always there working. He always had time to talk to visit some and was always upbeat and friendly. So sad that he passed away so suddenly. We will miss him and his friendly staff! Truly is the end of an era! Thoughts and prayers to his family and staff!
Chris was a Caring Kind Heart . He's probably worked most of the kids and raised the other half . He will be missed by many .....
Sorry for your loss.Chris was such a great guy.He truly will be missed!
So sorry for the passing of Chris. He was a great guy and friend will definitely be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to each and everyone of his family and friends. Chris may you R.I.P
Chris touched hearts in many people with his great acts of kindness. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
So very sorry. Chris was a nice man and always liked talking with his customers. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed
I was raised by the west y and Dukes was and still is one of my favorite places to go. Chris was such a friendly guy and always stopped to visit any where I saw him. He will be greatly missed. My sympathy to his family. You're in my prayers.
I am sorry for your loss your family will always be in my prayers and god will help u though this grieving time
So sorry for your loss. Chris was a great guy and will be missed by all. Prayers for the family.
So sorry for the loss he will be greatly missed and a one of kind of man
Prayers, Chris was a hard worker & serving others
So sad to learn of Chris' passing. He was such a wonderful, caring person who always had a "Hello" for everyone! I'll so miss the way he jokingly referred to me as Christopher! RIP, Chris! My thoughts are with the family and friends!
Thoughts and prayers for you all. Dukes will never be the same without him. Super nice guy.
Thankyou for being our friend and given family. Will always remember you and the great memories we made together
So sorry for your loss. Chris Was a good man.
Thoughts and prayers to all. Chris was a very dear friend of our family, he had such a big heart for children & families that came into Duke's. He always had a warm welcome smile & greeted all like family. Chris YOU are going to be sadly missed by so many friends and family. I know in my heart you have earned your gold wings...FLY high my dear friend
Chris, you will be sadly missed. I spent my teenage years at Dukes, And through the years my girls and my grandkids love Dukes! We will remember you forever for you were a big part of our lives!
Our deepest sympathies to the family of this great man. We enjoyed our weekly visits with him and he will be greatly missed.
The good old days back in the 60's. The Carpenters have been a landmark. Loved going and knowing if Chris wasn't busy, he would stop and sit a while and yes, talk about politics, my health, grandchildren, and other great topics. He will be missed by so many. Prayers to the family.
Chris,You will be sadly missed. We've known you for many years and your compassion to help the less privileged is of few . Not you my friend.Always with a smile and greeting rather on the dining floor or behind the grill. Political talks or something going on with work was always a subject that was your knack . We will certainly miss you here on earth but we will meet again . Until then .
To the carpenter family. I'm truly sorry for Ur loss. Duke's was a big part of my teenage years. We lost a good man 4-ever in my heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We have frequented Dukes for almost 40 years, and it just won't be the same without Chris. He was such a kind, caring person.
Chris possessed many riches. He was a kind & compassionate man. He was empathic of others & their heart aches. He had a timely sense of humor & was patient when he needed to be. Chris was giving to others of his time & material possessions. He illuminated a room with his smile. He exhibited a tolerance in all that he was & all that he did. He was immune to the overwhelmingly positive impact that he had on people's lives. Chris was a humble virtuous sole who knew no other way to live his life. I'm proud that I once called you brother-in-law.You will be forever fondly missed.
We will surely miss seeing Chris's friendly face at Duke's. He always had time to visit. So sorry for your loss.
Chris will be sadly missed. Prayers and condolences got out to the family.
Wonderful person,past few months I saw him a lot-he was very nice helpful-completely shocked me when he became ill.Will miss him a lot-very sad
Rod and family so sorry for your loss words can't express how sorry I am you and your family are in my prayers
Chris was part of the foundation of our community. He was at the core of our teen years for several generations. As much as we all have lost him, his family feels it the hardest. My deepest sympathies go out to them.
Gonna miss his smile,and talks he was a good man and helped a lot of people r.I.p.buddy
Have known Chris for a long time. He will be sadly missed by me and my family.
Our sincere sympathies to the Carpenter family, Chris will be missed by many.
You are going to be missed by everyone you was a great men
Chris was a Great Man! In my younger years I enjoyed helping him there at the restaurant. played tons of pool games with him. i'll miss him dearly he was such a good friend and it was never a dull moment when chris was around
CHRIS WAS A VERY NICE MAN. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE. HE WIL BE SADLY MISSED.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time. Chris was a great person. I loved when he come in to caseys he always had a smile on his face. Anytime we would go to dukes chris always had to make a point to come say hi and see how the kids are doing. Chris will be missed by many.
Condolences to the family and close friends. Chris gave me my first job some 20 years ago at Duke's Drive-In. He played an important part in my life and all who knew him. God bless the family and more recent employees who are grieving this loss.
I worked for Chris for many years. He was the most caring and generous boss a person could ask for. His work was his life and he took care of his employees as if they were his kids. My heart sank when I received word of his passing. Prayers to his family and the "Dukes Drive In" family during this difficult time.
R.I.P. Chris. Thanks for being a part of my teenage years. I am so sorry for your loss of Chris. he is a great man. Spent most of my teenage years at Dukes shooting pool and he would sometimes come play a game or two with us all. Most nights after closing time he would open up the pool tables and let us play for free till he finished up his work. Sometimes till 1 or 2 AM. He knew us kids needed a good and safe place to hang out at and he provided us with that every evening/night. I will always hold onto that memory. With that being said I say thank you, Chris. God got him one heck of an Angel.
What an infectious smile! We so enjoyed our meals with a frosty mug of root beer brought to us by Chris. You will be missed!
So many great memories of our youth spent at Duke's. Chris was such a great man, worked so hard and helped anyone who asked him. Enjoy heaven Chris, you won't need the key for the tables they are open!
sorry for your loss our deepest sympathy he was a great guy and friend he enjoyed the cakes I took down to the restaurant for the coffee drankers and others in there
So sorry for the loss of Chris...He was such a great friend and co-worker. RIP my friend, God has gained another angel....fly high Chris !!
You will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Will miss him out at Dukes. He was always so nice.
Our condolences to Chris and his family. Everybody in the community knew Chris, and we are sorry about his loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
