George Sheldon Carpenter

George passed away on April 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.

He was born in Seattle, WA, on November 6, 1934, to Victor and Coralie Carpenter. Following his parent’s divorce, he grew up with his maternal grandmother and her husband on a farm near Newaukum, WA. He attended Auburn schools, graduating from Auburn Senior High School in 1952. He later attended Olympic Junior College and served in the Washington National Guard.

George began working for the Washington State Dept. of Highways (later WSDOT) in Kent, WA, in 1954.

While working at Pete’s Mobil in Auburn, he met an attractive waitress from the diner across the street, Virginia Davenport; they married in 1957.

George and Virginia had three boys: Rodney, Eric, and Jay.

George worked in various locations with the Dept. of Highways, including Kent, Preston, Snoqualmie Pass, Chinook Pass, White Pass, and finally, Walla Walla, where he retired as Maintenance Superintendent.

Following retirement from WSDOT, George began hauling travel trailers across the west for Transit Homes and later worked for Heiztman Construction. In addition, he spent many hours volunteering at Fort Walla Walla Museum. George loved camping, backpacking, and traveling across the country with Virginia with their Silver Streak trailer. George was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s sports, making related albums, schedules, and refrigerator magnets.

George could build or fix most anything. He was very talented in woodworking, metal fabrication, and home reconstruction. Above all, he was very generous and loved his family well.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Coralie Riley and Victor Carpenter. He is survived by Virginia, his wife of 65 years, and his children: Rodney (Tamara), Eric (Karen), Jay (Carol); and his grandchildren: Alan Carpenter, Danny Carpenter, Chris Carpenter, Nelson Carpenter, Abigail Carpenter, and Annie Carpenter, along with great-grandsons Isaiah, Eastyn, Maverick, and Archer. Also surviving are his half-siblings Rosalie Bergevin Wheeler, Mike Riley, and Pat Riley Lindsey.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 27, 2023, at the Pioneer Park Garden Center from 10:00-1:00. There will be a time of sharing from 12:00-12:30. Light refreshments will be served.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Aid Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.