Pat Carpenter

Patrick Carpenter passed away July 11th at the age of 71 after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born in Union City, IN to Noel T & Inez M Carpenter. Patrick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen, daughter Paula (Grayson) Pike of Lynn, IN, Jennifer (Robert) Effler of Brunswick, MD, grandchildren Rachel, Garrett (Lexi) and Zachary Pike and Robert (Lexie) and Crystal Effler as well as 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way. He also leaves behind siblings Sue Bressler, Roberta Buell, Max (Carolyn) Carpenter, Jane (Max) Smith, sister-in-law Melinda Carpenter as well as too many nieces, nephews and cousins to count. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers David (and wives Lois & Sharon), Noel B Carpenter and brother in law Merrill Buell.  

After graduation from High School in Union City, IN, Patrick joined the Air Force. Patrick served in the Air Force from 1964 until his retirement in 1988. He took a brief stint as a civilian barber in 1967 and decided he was better off in the Air Force! He served as an aerial gunner on the C-130 Gunships from 1970-1977 and was nicknamed Killer. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargent before his commissioning in 1978 and rose to the rank of Captain before his retirement in 1988. His Air Force career took him to Udorn and Ubon Thailand, MacDill AFB, FL, Wurthsmith AFB, MI, Biloxi, MS, Ramstein, Germany, Hurlburt, and finally Eglin AFB, FL. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal (5 OLC), AF Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Vietnam Service Medal as well as numerous other unit and longevity medals and ribbons. After retiring from the Air Force Pat kept himself busy working as a Defense Contractor and short careers as a Bread Delivery Person, Car Salesman and Insurance Agent. Golfing was his favorite thing to do every Saturday morning as well as breakfast with his Spectre buddies every Sunday, watching FOX News and traveling with Karen. Their last big trip was to Alaska as it was one of Karen's Bucket List items that he wanted to help fulfill! He was a Life Member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Spectre Association. He was very active in the Spectre Association (Home of the AC-130 Spectre Gunships) and served as their President for many years as well as Treasurer and most recently Quartermaster.  

A celebration of his life will be held at the VFW in Fort Walton Beach (213 Carol Ave NW) on Saturday, July 15th from 5pm-8pm. Please come as you are and enjoy some time socializing and telling stories about Pat. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL on Monday, July 17th at 11:30.  

In lieu of flowers, donations for a scholarship in Pat's honor should be sent to the Spectre Association, PO Box 707, Mary Esther, FL 32569.  

Pat Carpenter, an Arial Gunner "Advisor" from the 16th SOS, passed away earlier this week after a short battle against Lung Cancer. Pat was assigned to the 711 SOS in its early years to train our Gunners and help bring the unit up to mission ready status. He was an AC130A Gunner in all aspects of the word who flew many missions in Vietnam in the early seventies, and was extremely devoted to advancing the Gunship mission in our military.  Pat was a well respected person in the Gunship World who will be missed by all that knew him, including both his Duke Field & Hurlburt Families.