Noel "Bud" Carpenter

Noel Byron (Bud) Carpenter passed into eternal life on Thursday, January 14, 2016, surrounded by music, prayer and laughter.  Bud was 75 years old.  
  
Born on February 18, 1940, in rural Randolph County, Bud was the fourth child and second son of Noel T. and Inez M. (Puckett) Carpenter.  He lived at the house in which he was born until he moved with his family to Harrisville, Indiana.  Bud attended Wayne Township schools where he played baseball and basketball, ran track and was a member of the FFA.  He spent his youth working on his family farm where he learned his love of animals, tractors and the seasons of the land.  
  
In 1958, Bud’s family took him to Purdue University where he studied Agricultural Economics, After taking a break with some childhood friends to see the country, hitchhiking to California and back, he returned to Purdue where he met, wooed and married Janet Glenn in 1962.  Bud earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964.  
  
Bud and Janet lived in Indiana, Michigan and Florida before settling down back in Randolph county where Bud was happiest.  They had three children, Mandy Caroline, Noel Byron, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Marie.  Bud spent over 20 years working in all areas of agriculture:  selling Case equipment; working on Duda Farms; and selling Sylar seeds.  In 1978, he moved with his family to the farm house on County Road 500 East where he lived and farmed ever since.  
  
In 1984, Bud answered the call for public service by running for Randolph County Assessor.  He loved serving his community, making his office a place where all people were welcome.  He served as assessor for 20 years (1985 ¬¬ 2005).  In 2008, he was elected Randolph County Commissioner.  During his four years of service his proudest accomplishment was spearheading the renovation of the historic Randolph County courthouse.  Bud retired from public service in 2008 which allowed him to spend most of his time on his beloved farm and with his wonderful neighbors and friends.  
  
Singing was Bud’s greatest joy since his teenage years.  A lifetime member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (SPEBSQSA), Bud sang in no less than 8 performing Barbershop quartets in his life.  The Original Choice, in which he sang lead, won the Pioneer District’s 1971 Quartet competition.  He repeated this success in 1974 with the Golden Knights in the Sunshine District. Bud directed men’s barbershop choruses in Michigan and in Indiana.  One of Bud’s lifelong mottos was to have “everybody singing,” and he never passed up an opportunity to sing.  He knew a song for every person and to fit every situation.  
  
In 1999, Janet passed away.  In 2000, Bud wooed and married Melinda Hueber, adding one daughter, Andrea Boval, and one son, Mark Lloyd, to complete his family.  Together with Melinda, he worked to expand his farm, enjoyed motorcycle trips, and spent time celebrating the lives and accomplishments of their thirteen grandchildren.  He called Melinda his “angel” for all she did for him in his life.  With her by his side, he was truly happy.
  
Bud is survived by his wife, Melinda, his children Mandy, Noel, Andrea, Betsy, and Mark, their spouses, his thirteen grandchildren and his sisters, Sue Bressler, Roberta Buell, and Jane Smith and his brothers Max Carpenter and Pat Carpenter, and many other family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and his brother, David.  
  
Visitation will be Sunday, January 17, 2016, at the Randolph County 4¬H Building from 3-7 PM.  
Services will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016, at 11 AM with visitation 1 hour prior at the Randolph County 4¬H Building with burial at Fountain Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions to the Randolph County Antique Club Inc. or to the Gideons International are requested. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Reichard Funeral Home, Union City. Online condolences may be expressed at; www.reichardfh.com