Earl Dean Carpenter was born January 22, 1949 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Jessie Hazel (Young) and Claude Eldred Carpenter. He passed away peacefully at GPRMC on January 26, 2026 at the age of 77 years and 4 days.

Dean grew up on a farm in the Foss community and attended school at Foss until they permanently closed. He then attended school at Canute where he excelled at basketball. This is also where he met the love of his life in high school Sharon Edler and they took each other's hand in marriage on February 14, 1969. After high school he attended Southwest mechanic school in Oklahoma City. After graduation, he returned to Canute and worked for Bob Maine Ford in Elk City until he was drafted into the US Army. Dean and Sharon moved to Lawton Oklahoma during his basic training. Dean was sent to Vietnam where he served as Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion 94th Field Artillery. he was honorably discharged after injury in the line of duty. Dean received multiple awards in Vietnam, including multiple Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After his return home from the war, Dean and Sharon made their home in Canute, Oklahoma where they would raise their 3 boys. He worked for Ronald Warnke at Ron's Service Station and he also served as a volunteer firefighter at Canute. He then opened Dean's Auto Sales which he and Sharon operated for 32 years. During this time he made many friends with other car dealers as well as his customers. Dean loved to build and restore, classic cars and attend car shows. He also enjoyed NASCAR and dirt track racing. He loved to share all of his passions with his sons. He also ran the Elk City Motor Speedway for several years and was involved in several car clubs. After "retiring" from the car business, he started building homes like his father did. Joining his cousin Keith Young they started Carpenter and Young construction. After another "retirement", he helped his son Greg open and run Thunder Custom Cycles in Elk City Oklahoma. Dean had a deep love for his family and many friends. He was always ready to help anyone. He was a very patient and a great teacher to his sons, he taught them how to fix about anything yourself, but mostly he taught them how to love. Dean was a very loving husband and father who will forever be missed.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and two sons, Jeff Carpenter and Glen Carpenter.

Dean is survived by his wife Sharon of 56 years; his son Greg Carpenter, and wife Chasitie of Blanchard, Oklahoma, daughter-in-law Shelly Carver of Elk City, two grandsons, Brandon Carpenter and CJ Estes. One sister Jan Phillips of Clinton, Oklahoma, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends and his beloved fur babies, Phoebe and Mika.

The family would like to give their sincere appreciation to the VA hospital in Oklahoma City, GPRMC, Elk City Fire and EMS, Whinery Funeral Service, and Saint Matthew Catholic Church, and to very special friends and neighbors, Mark and Joanna Norton.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Oklahoma City