Lena May Carpenter

Lena May Carpenter passed away February 26, 2024, at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.  She was born May 30, 1940 in Springfield, the daughter of Thomas Edgar and Audie Anna (Shaw) Hargus.  On June 15, 1958 Lena and John Allen Carpenter were married, and they shared 65 years together.  

Lena was one of six sisters (Joan, Eva, Mary, Elizabeth, Rosalea, Lena), and three half brothers (William, Wilfred, Willard). She attended school in Ozark, Missouri.

Surviving Lena are a son, John Douglas Carpenter, two grandsons, John Christopher Carpenter (Ashley), and John Eric Carpenter; a granddaughter, Heather Nicole Carpenter; a great-granddaughter, Kaylee Mae Carpenter; five great-grandsons, John Marshall, John Zakary, Raiden, Carson, and Rory Carpenter, all of Ozark and Springfield area.  She is survived by two sisters, Eva Woodring (Fair Grove), and Joan Lincicome (Livermore, California).  Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Les Kissee and wife D. J. of Ozark, Joe Carpenter of Nixa, David Payne of Billings, Lloyd Payne of Billings; sisters-in-law, Marilyn McLean of Rogersville, Janice Payne of Billings, Nancy Payne of Billings, Pennie Payne of Springfield, and Penny Turner of Brookline; and many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.  

She had many interests, and always enjoyed flowers with her sister Mary. They would share their flowers.  She loved her trips to the Casino. She always loved her antique booths.  She treasured finding items to put in her booth with her husband and sister.  We sure are going to miss a tireless Loyal Democrat. She always loved Nascar, and the Kansas City Chiefs, and never missed Jeopardy.  Lena also enjoyed her League Bowling along with Family Genealogy.  She loved being on her computer and Loved her Family.  Lena was a very devoted Mother, Grandma and Great-Grandma. She always mailed Birthday and Christmas cards to family and friends.  Lena had a heart of gold for everyone.  She was a very loving and giving person and will be missed dearly. 

Lena retired after many years from the Springfield Regional Center as secretary to the administrator on May 1, 1996.  

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor John Heun officiating.