OWENSVILLE, Ind. — John "Donald" Carpenter, 78, passed away Friday April 24, 2009, at the VNA Charlier Hospice Center.

He was born September 3, 1930, to John and Pauline Carpenter in Poseyville, Indiana.

Don retired from farming, he was a melon, grain and Duroc hog farmer. He was a member of the Old Union Christian Church in Poseyville, where he was a deacon, elder and chairman of the board for several years. He graduated from Owensville High School in 1949. Don received the FFA American Farmer award in 1952.

Don was preceded by his parents, a brother Bob; and a sister, Joann Saxe.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joetta (Ward) Carpenter; daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Steve Maple of Kokomo, Karen and Gerald Wright of Owensville and Karlene and Steve Garrett of Carmi, Ill.; grandchildren, Jason and Alisha Maple Sweet, Nick and Lindsey Maple, Derek and Katie Wright, Brandon and Natalie Wright and Adam Garrett; great-grandchildren, Lilly Maple, Bauer Maple, Trenton Sweet and Avery Wright; brother, Roy and (Diane) Carpenter; brother-in-law, G.A. and (Beverly) Ward; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be Tuesday April 28, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Old Union Christian Church, Poseyville. Burial will be in the Poseyville Cemetery. Don French will officiate.

Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Holders Funeral Home.