Rex Eugene Carpenter

Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel, Rex Eugene Carpenter (US Air Force, Ret.) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, formerly of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on April 20, 2026 in Southfield, Michigan. Rex was born on January 30, 1944, in Wichita, Kansas, and raised by his parents Frederick B. Carpenter and Leta M. (Folsom) Carpenter in Benton City, Washington, along with his siblings Fred, Evelyn, Rose, and Philip. He met his wife Louise at Seattle Pacific College in Washington, and they were married in Jamestown, New York, on August 17, 1968. Rex is survived by his wife Louise Rennells Carpenter; his son Benjamin Bennett-Carpenter and spouse Marcelyn Bennett-Carpenter of Berkley, Michigan; daughter Heather Carpenter of Brooklyn, New York; son Joshua Carpenter and spouse Mattie Hawkinson of Oak Park, Illinois; son Philip Carpenter and spouse Elizabeth Lee Carpenter of Morrison, Colorado; his nine grandchildren: Nicolas, Gracey, Isaac, Caleb, Levi, Eliana, Esther, Joshua, and Ruby; and one great-grandchild: William. Rex lived a life defined by service to God, to his country, and to the many people he guided throughout his years in ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Economics from Seattle Pacific College, Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. Rex served for thirteen years as a pastor in the Free Methodist Church, twenty-four years as a United States Air Force Chaplain, and thirteen years as the Free Methodist Chaplain Endorsing Agent and Director of Chaplain Ministries. In these capacities, he and his loving wife Louise of fifty-seven years served as partners in ministry across the United States, and beyond, including in New York, Nevada, Spain, Washington DC, New Mexico, California, Germany, Virginia, and elsewhere, with wide travels visiting chaplains around and beyond the United States. Rex also served three months to one year in the Middle East and Alaska. Rex lived a life of purpose and devotion to Jesus Christ, to his family, and to chaplains in the military, hospitals, prisons, campuses, hospice, and industry. He loved the great outdoors, playing games, all kinds of sports, working hard, talking with people, and all-around having fun, seeking to make things good for everyone around him. Rex had an adventurous spirit, he was tenacious, and he gave his whole heart to every endeavor. He was very attentive to people, including family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and anyone he encountered. He loved to tell stories and to hear other people's stories. He was loyal and very generous in his time, attention, interest, and resources to those around him. He was a hard worker and took great satisfaction in fixing things that were broken or not working right. Rex was an upstanding person that people regarded as a man of honor, good will, and respect. Rex held fast to the faith that gave him daily strength, hope, and encouragement. In all things, he sought to bless people and to create a spirit of teamwork, cooperation, and love. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chaplains Association of the Free Methodist Church (https://fmcusa.org/chaplains). A visitation will be held for Rex on Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am and continuing until the time of service, 11:00 am, at Cedarholm Chapel, Kirk in the Hills, 1340 W. Long Lake Rd., Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Pastor Dr. Keith Provost and Bishop Emeritus Richard Snyder will officiate the service. Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Ulysses Cemetery in Pennsylvania.

Rex Eugene Carpenter

January 30, 1944 - April 20, 2026