Keith Edward Carpenter

Keith Edward Carpenter, born on January 13, 1929, in Taylorville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the Life Care Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He lived a full and productive life, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, dedication, and service.

Raised in Windsor and St. Louis, Missouri, Keith's dream was to become a Marine. At the tender age of 17, he enlisted at the conclusion of World War II, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving his country and community. In the warmth of Sunflower, Kansas, he met the love of his life, Beverly Booth, and they were united in marriage in 1947, sharing 66 wonderful years together until her passing in 2013.

Keith's military journey found him stationed at the El Toro Marine Air Station in Santa Ana, California, in 1950. Following the joyful arrivals of their two children, the Carpenter family established roots in Costa Mesa, California. Driven by a passion for education and self-improvement, Keith attended Orange Coast College and Santa Ana College, earning his Associate of Arts degrees. In 1975, he proudly received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

His professional journey took a significant turn when he joined the Costa Mesa Police Department in 1957, where he made his mark as Officer #29. Keith was deeply committed to his work and his community, serving with integrity and dedication until he retired in 1986 as Sergeant in the Records Bureau.

Beyond his professional achievements, Keith had a zest for life that was evident in his numerous passions. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling throughout the United States in an RV or trailer, and exploring the high seas. Throughout his life, Keith and Beverly embarked on 33 cruises and traveled the world twice, creating countless cherished memories together.

Keith is survived by his two beloved children, Kristi Moore and Richard of Cheyenne, and Randy Carpenter and Aisha of Conway, South Carolina. He was also the proud grandfather of four: Gregory Carpenter of Sandston, Virginia; MSgt Ashlee Proulx and Shane of Cheyenne; Robin Carpenter of Richmond, Virginia; and Brent Henry of Cheyenne. Additionally, he leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Emylee and Geoffery Rea, Megan and Layton Proulx, all of Cheyenne; Tianna Carpenter of Richmond, Virginia; and Braden and Nicholas Henry of Tallahassee, Florida.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their love and support during this time of mourning. A Full Military Service and Burial will be held at the Cheyenne National Cemetery on June 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Following the burial, a Celebration of Life will take place at the American Legion Post 6 in Cheyenne, where friends and family will gather to honor and remember Keith's remarkable life.