Merle Clair Carpenter
January 3, 1926 ~ July 20, 2012
Resided in:
Colorado City, CO
Merle Clair Carpenter was born to Fred and Fern Carpenter on Jan. 3, 1926, near Greeley, Colo. He attended rural grade schools until he went to high school in Greeley. In his third year of high school he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS DeHaven for four years, during WWII. After being discharged from the Navy, he went to junior college in Boise, Idaho and received an Associate of Arts degree. He attended music school for four years at CSCE in Greeley. It was at this time that he met and married Marilyn Anderson. During the summer sessions in college, Merle was chosen to sing in the opera held in Central City as one of the vocalists and performers. After music school, Merle had an opportunity to go into the banking business. This appealed to him and he pursued this challenge and eventually became President and CEO of Otero Savings for about 26 years. After he retired, he worked for the Federal Government as an investigator on numerous banking failures. He moved to the mountains where he and Marilyn lived a wonderful life in a large wooded area near San Isabel, Colo. Because of health reasons, he bought land and built a home in Colorado City to be nearer medical assistance. Merle loved music, was an adamant fly fisherman, golfer and sportsman. He spent many airborne hours and was an excellent pilot of his own plane. He and Marilyn had many fine times together. He is survived by his wife; two nephews and one niece.
As per his request, there will be no viewing or services. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorials may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
How can it be that only today (!2/17/2013) I learned a year and a half after Merle’s death and a year after Marilyn’s death of their passing? I spent years working with Merle at Otero and on it’s Board, fishing around the world (Costa Rica, Alaska, North Canada etc.), flying airplanes, chasing Southwest Native art and having a toddy or two with him. It has to have been my fault that I lost track and I greatly regret it. Good by old friends. Bob Nagel
My name is Donna Bevans Schmeiser Harfert. I am saddened to learn from a friend and former co-worker today of Merle’s passing in July 2012, and Marilyn’s passing December 2012. I was Merle’s secretary at Otero Savings in Colorado Springs, CO., during the 70’s and thoroughly enjoyed that learning experience. The world has lost two very intelligent, dedicated and talented individuals, no doubt.
He had a great tenor’s voice. I remember him singing ‘Coming For to Carry Me Home.’
“Oh swing down chariot stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot stop and let me ride
Swing down sweet chariot stop and let me ride
Cause I’ve earned me a home on the other side…”
For our mutual years together,
For the lessons you taught me,
And the wisdom those lessons embraced-
For the thunder and the lightning-
For the fresh green prairie grass of Spring…;
Say hello to Fred up there…
Miss you, Uncle Merle-
Rest in peace.
Charles Callahan, son of Barbara Carpenter-Callahan, Merle’s sister.
My name is Rebecca Brandon. I am his niece. My mother, Barbara A. Carpenter Stephen, was his sister. I just learned of his passing and am saddened. I loved him.
I remember Merle’s quick smile, his energy and his compassion. I’ve thought of both him and Marilyn often through the years.