Lawrence Duke Carpenter Jr., was born on February 12, 1947 in Dallas, Texas. He went home to be with the LORD on Sunday morning, March 3, 2019 while at his home in Garland, Texas. L.D. was husband to his beloved wife of fifty years, Christine Carpenter. They were married on February 7, 1969 in Garland, Texas at Northlake Baptist Church. L.D. and Christine were blessed with two children, Shelly Anne Carpenter Taylor and husband Tye R. Taylor and son Randall Allen Carpenter, seven grandchildren, Bayley Annelise Taylor Ellison and husband Hunter Ellison, Bryne Madison Taylor, Thaddeus John Taylor, Kennedy Josephine Carpenter, Karrigan Rene Carpenter, Nolan Duke Carpenter and Markus Allen Carpenter, two great grandchildren, Beckham Reid Ellison and Vivianne Christine Ellison. L.D. is also survived by his sister Linda Carpenter Morgan, nephew Brian Odem and his wife Dena Odem, niece Jennifer Bennight and her husband Mike Bennight and niece Jana Morgan. He is also survived by numerous cousins whom he greatly loved L.D. was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Duke Carpenter Sr., and Ruby Gladys Hill Carpenter and sister Billie Joyce Tanner as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. At the age of 16 years, L.D. accepted Jesus Christ as his personal LORD and Savior. He was baptized at Orchard Hills Baptist Church where he continued to attend and serve the LORD. He served faithfully as a deacon in the church, Sunday School teacher and Chairman and Member of multiple committees within the life of the church over the years. L.D. led numerous mission trips to Matamoros, Mexico where they provided Vacation Bible School and ministered to the children in the orphanage across the border. In 1990, L.D. and Christine joined First Baptist Church of Dallas. They attended Mrs. Criswell's Sunday School Class every week. L.D. joined the church orchestra, where he played the euphonium and valve trombone in the Sanctuary Adult Orchestra. This was such a passion of his heart and life. L.D. was a proud graduate of the only high school in Garland at that time, Garland High School. He was a Proud Fighting Garland Owl, Class of 1965. He accomplished the tremendous honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. L.D. attended East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. From 1980 to 1982, L.D. was elected to serve as member and Chairman on the Planning Commission in District 3 for the city of Garland, Texas. He was instrumental in the beginning stages for State Highway 190 and Firewheel Shopping Center. He was elected to the Garland City Council in April, 1982 and then as Chairman of the Garland City Council thereafter. L.D. served with the Texas Baptist Men and assisted with radio communications in a variety of natural disasters over the years. He was highly involved in the Skywarn Emergency Notifications. Chasing tornados was an exciting hobby where he would use his skill in operating his radio as a licensed Ham Operator, also known as K5LD. He had the opportunity to connect with professionals of the WFAA team and share his love of weather and storm chasing. Professionally, L.D. was a "jack of all trades." He served in the Dallas Sherriff's Office in the 1960's, maintained his insurance license for many years, acquired a pilot's license, and for the last 30 years was active as a paralegal, working on trademarks, personal injury, and mediation. He loved his work with the law office of Kizzia Johnson PLLC. L.D. loved working on his computer and building with his tools in the garage. He was an avid reader and student of history. He loved collecting hats and he loved Elvis Presley and Southern Gospel Music! His greatest love was his family. He had an affectionate name for everyone: Christine…Petunia. Shelly….Porcupine. Randy….Fozzy Bear. Then came Bugsy, Baby Bryne, Poo Bear, Monkey, Thaddy Paddy, Nolan Boy and Squirrel. He was our beloved husband, Dad and Papa. L.D. was suddenly and unexpectedly ushered into the presence of the LORD Sunday morning, March 3. Although our hearts are saddened by the separation, we look forward to the day when we will see him again. Today we rest in the promise that he is with our Savior. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3 In lieu of flowers please make all donations to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. The address is 2222 Welborn Street Dallas, Texas 75219.