Donald Kenneth Carpenter, 66, of Burns Harbor, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at his home.

He was born November 27, 1942 in Hammond, the son of Leslie Sr. and Laverta (Schultz) Carpenter, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by a son, Donald Carpenter, Jr., of Dallas, Texas; step-children, Catherine (Robert) Allison, of Chesterton, Michael McBride, of Portage, and Deborah (John) Blumer, of Porter; 14 grandchildren, Cody Simmons, Ashley Blumer, Connor Allison, Eric Allison, Justin McBride, Christine Allison, Robert Allison, Melanie Allison, Jarrett McBride, Jayme Allison, Kyle Blumer, Levi Simmons, Kelsey McBride and Abigayle Blumer; brothers and sisters, Chester (Ethyl) Carpenter, Leslie (Darlene) Carpenter, Jr., Arlene (Ken) Bos, Sandra (Butch) Fitzer and Sharon Anderson. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was also preceded in death by step-mother Margaret Carpenter and a brother, Dennis Carpenter.

Don was retired from Bethlehem Steel where he was Security Supervisor, with 38 years service. He was a former part-time police officer with the Burns Harbor Police Department and was a former Burns Harbor Building Commissioner. He also worked at Sears Hardware Sales, in Portage. He was a member of Chesterton Moose Lodge #1623. His hobbies included fishing, boating and spending time at his lake home in Colon, Mich.

Funeral services, Pastor Christine Newman-Jacobs and Pastor Catherine Allison officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1st United Methodist Church of Chesterton, 434 S. 2nd St.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton and from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the Church.

For information, please call White-Love Funeral Home 926-1309.

Posted 1/15/2009