John Michael Carpenter

John Michael Carpenter, age 69, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 6:55 P.M. on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at Salem Township Hospital in Salem, Illinois, with his family at his side. He was born on September 5, 1946 in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Albert Robert “A.R.” and Ruby Ethel (Wiggins) Carpenter. He married Judith Gail Burge on October 25, 1969 at the First United Methodist Church in Centralia and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, Mr. Carpenter is survived by his two brothers, George Dale Carpenter and wife Carolyn of Centralia, Illinois and Patrick Carpenter of Centralia, Illinois, sister, Robin Brink and husband Kerry, mother-in-law, Dorothy M. Burge of Hoffman, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Carpenter was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Howard Joel “Bud” Dempsey, sister, Christina Jean Dempsey Peek and father-in-law, Robert E. Burge.

Mr. Carpenter was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the Cass Lodge # 23 A.F. & A.M. in Beardstown, Illinois for 27 years. He was a life-time member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees. He graduated with the Centralia Township High School “Class of 1965.” He enjoyed woodworking and doing carpentry projects around his house. He liked watching western movies. He loved having his dogs at his side. Mr. Carpenter cherished the time with his wife, Judith, especially going for walks and traveling to states that had snow-capped mountains.

Mr. Carpenter retired as a bridge and building carpenter from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, formerly Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad, after serving the railroad from 1967 to 2004. He lived all of his life in Centralia, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, August 12, 2016 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Rodger Randolph officiating. Masonic rites accorded by the Centralia Masonic Temple # 201 at 5:15 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Sandoval, Illinois.  Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. To 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 11, 2016, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home and from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the services at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, August 12, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mr. Carpenter's memory to the Illinois Masonic Charities, Cass Lodge # 23 A.F. & A.M. in Beardstown, Illinois or St. Jude Children's Hospital and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Carpenter’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.

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