Roger Evans Carpenter

Roger Evans Carpenter, 97, a lifelong resident of Oak Harbor, OH passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at ProMedica Fremont Memorial Hospital, Fremont, OH. He was born on September 17, 1928 in LaCarne, OH to Harry and Myrtle (Floro) Carpenter. Roger was a local icon that was known for his service and dedication to the Oak Harbor community. He was raised at the tail end of the Great Depression and when he was six years old, he had to get a vendor's license for his dew worm business and was one of the youngest holders of a vendor's license in Ottawa County at the time. At age 16 he was employed to open the Economy Clothing store at 6am open the safe and fill the cash register, sweep the floor and wait on the trade worked until 8am then was relieved by an adult and went to school returned and worked till 6pm until he graduated. After graduation Roger worked for Sorg Construction a short time then was hired by Oak Harbor Hardware as their appliance service man. Roger went to college Monday, Wednesday, Friday and worked for Oak Harbor Hardware Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. His college was put on hold for a time between his Sophomore and Junior years while he served in 8 years in the U.S. Army National Guard with active duty from April 1948 - November 1952. While in the service he served as a cook for 14 months and 8 years in a tank company training drafted soldiers to prepare for the Korean War.

Roger went on to earn his bachelor's degree in education, majoring in Industrial Arts, and his master's degree both from Bowling Green State University. He taught Industrial Arts for 30 years, 4 at Elmore and 26 at Oak Harbor. Roger loved teaching kids. He got his master's degree but never really wanted to be in administration but wanted to be able to turn it down if asked. He believed in education and said if he didn't have the degree, he would never have options and a different perspective. When he retired from teaching, he started a print shop, which he ran for nearly 30 years and ran a Bobcat backhoe service, and snowplow service, never really formally retiring.

He joined the Oak Harbor American Legion in 1953 and served as Commander of the post 3 different times. Roger was known to be a faithful member of the post nary missing an opportunity to serve and help lead military graveside rites for fellow Veterans. In 1941 he joined the Boy Scouts, later becoming the leader at 18 years old. In 1951 he began serving as Scout Master for Troop #316 in Oak Harbor. Roger always said the success of Troop #316 was from all the people running the program, not Roger Carpenter. Roger has been recognized as the longest continuous serving Scout Master in the United States with over 75 years of continuous service.

Roger was a longtime member of the Oak Harbor Masonic Lodge #495 F & AM. He owned the Eagles Nest Hall, which served as a venue for many community events, and when a new place to meet for the Lodge was needed Roger accommodated them at the hall.

Roger tried to live his life by the Golden Rule. As a longtime landlord of several Oak Harbor properties, he would evaluate families' situations, and apply fair rates as needed to try and accommodate them.

Roger enjoying camping, woodworking, metal working, and remodeling houses and rentals. Roger's favorite saying by Confucius was, "He who makes no mistakes does nothing - BUT - he who makes too many can be replaced."

Roger is survived by his nephew, Roger "Biff" Minier, and 2 nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Donna Carpenter and Janice Minier.

To honor Roger's remarkable life of service, a gathering will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at the Eagle's Nest Hall, 210 Jefferson St., Oak Harbor, with an Oak Harbor Masonic Lodge F&AM service conducted at 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life for Roger will begin with a gathering from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Eagle's Nest Hall with memorial services beginning at 11:00 a.m. with an opening presentation of the colors by Oak Harbor Boy Scout Troop #316, followed by several honored speakers. Following the services, a luncheon and continued fellowship will be held at the hall. At the conclusion of the luncheon at approximately 2:00 p.m., a procession to several special places to scatter Roger's cremated remains will begin at the hall and travel will be to, The Bayou Bridge on SR 105 for laying of a memorial wreath, then to Salem Township Union Cemetery Veteran's Memorial Circle with military rites conducted by Oak Harbor American Legion Post #114. and concluding at LaCarpe Cemetery, LaCarne, OH.

Memorial contributions in memory of Roger may be given to the Hablitzel Trust, which promotes activities and enjoyment of nature for the young and community of Ottawa County.

Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Oak Harbor is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com