Vernon Carpenter

Vernon Carpenter stepped into heaven Monday evening October 2, 2017 after celebrating his 80th birthday, surrounded by his adoring family.  A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the College Church of the Nazarene, 504 E. Dewey Ave. – Nampa with military honors by personnel from the Idaho Army National Guard. There will be a viewing and visitation at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. on Tuesday evening, October 10, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.  An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

Vern was born October 1, 1937 in his Grandma’s house on Fern St. in Nampa, to Neil and Alfreda Carpenter, the fourth of five children.  Vern attended schools in Nampa, including Franklin Community School and graduated from Nampa High in 1957.  As a young boy, the family moved to a farm where he learned the value of hard work and cultivated his love of the outdoors and horses.  After high school, Vern worked at a meat market in Boise before enlisting in the Army in 1960.  During his two years of service, Vern received a medal for good conduct, and was honorably discharged in 1962.

Upon returning home, Vern got reacquainted with Judy Maier.  Vern married his beautiful bride and love of his life on August 21, 1964.  Vern later graduated from Northwest Nazarene College with a degree in Teaching in 1970.  While attending college, Vern drove school bus and worked as a mechanic at Brown Bus Company.  After graduation Vern taught 6th grade for two years and was acting Principal at Boulevard Christian School (the elementary school building for Nampa Christian Schools).  He loved his time teaching and impacted many student’s lives.  In 1972, Vern began his full-time career in student transportation with Brown Bus Company and in just a few short years became a partner in  the company where he dedicated 33 years of his life and had tremendous influence.  Vern’s soft-spoken nature, patient manner and kindness made him an easy and enjoyable man to work for.

Vern was a man of the community and gave his service eagerly and willingly.  Vern was a member of Canyon County Sunrise Rotary for a number of years and received the Paul Harris Fellowship award in 2016.  Vern also served on the board for the Salvation Army.  In 1998 Vern joined the Snake River Stampede Board and remained a dedicated and loyal member of the board until his death.  Throughout his tenure on the Board, he held positions such as Secretary, Vice President and President.  Vern was placed in charge of the Snake River Stampede Parade beginning in 2000 and held that position until 2016, and the parade flourished under his care and leadership.  Vern received the Justin Boots Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Committeeman of the Year award at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in 2002.  This past summer Vern received the 2017 Faith Family and Freedom Award for his lifetime service to God and Country from the God and Country Association.  Another award Vern received was the Idaho Pupil Transportation Supervisor of the Year in 2000 for all the years of hard work and dedication to the safety of Idaho’s future, her children.

Music was always a part of Vern’s life.  From his early days of playing guitar and banjo, to leading worship at Fellowship Tabernacle with Judy, to traveling in the gospel music group the Waymarks, to playing stand-up bass in a quartet.  He loved singing and praising God any chance he got.  Vern’s dedication to his Savior was evident to all who knew him, so much so, that he became an ordained minister in 1979.  His faith has no doubt created ripples of impact that can be and will be felt for generations to come.

Vern leaves behind his lovely wife Judy, sons Brent Carpenter and wife Trudy of Nampa, Brad Carpenter and wife Lainie of Nampa, daughter Breanna Chud and husband Bryan of Kirkland, grandchildren Cali Carpenter, Trey Carpenter, Hailey Carpenter, Kyle Carpenter, Chase Carpenter, Kidran Chud and Cohen Chud. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Neil and Alfreda Carpenter, his brother Dale Carpenter, his sister Delores Lockey, father-in-law Victor Maier, and sister-in-law Joanna Hooley.

Memorials can be given to the Vern Carpenter Legacy Fund, PO Box 83, Nampa, ID 83653 or to My360project, 3207 E Marconi Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85032-3864.

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