John F. Carpenter
John Frank Carpenter, 79, a lifelong, 4th generation resident of Sour Lake, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, November 6, 2024, surrounded by his family. John was born the first of three children on August 30, 1945, to parents Frank and Louise Carpenter.
John’s early years were spent growing up in Sour Lake until his father relocated to Austin to serve as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. But John came back to Sour Lake at every available opportunity. At 16, after receiving his driver’s license, he quickly developed a fascination for horsepower, a love of speed and a reputation with the highway patrol. He began building and racing the “crowd pleasing, wheel standing, Willy’s Charger” around the state in his late teens. John’s passion for cars lead him to acquire and begin operating a car dealership, Sour Lake Motor Company in 1967 selling new Chrysler and Plymouth cars. Hemi engines weren’t the only thing that captured his heart, he soon married his hometown sweetheart, and love of his life, Anna Louise Hamman and began a family of his own. Over the years John added Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet and Ford to his growing dealership and turned it into a thriving business. John loved to hunt, fish, drive fast, and was an avid bowler. He was known to be a loyal friend, a man of his word and a respected businessman. John also holds the prestigious title of Sour Lake Lion’s Club’s most senior member, serving continuously for 53 years.
Survivors include his wife, Ann Carpenter; children, Amber Louise Carpenter Tortorice and her husband, Jake III; John Hunter Carpenter and his wife, Stormi; and Travis James Carpenter, all of Sour Lake; grandchildren, Gianna Tortorice, Jake Tortorice IV, Caroline Carpenter, and Colt Carpenter, all of Sour Lake; and Cooper Carpenter of Destin, Florida; and sisters, Carol Carpenter Winkel of Austin and Barbara Carpenter Gibson and her husband, Carles, of Midland.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, James “Jamie” Winkel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sour Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 711 6th Street, Sour Lake, Texas 77659 or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 537, Sour Lake, Texas 77659.
A gathering of Mr. Carpenter’s family and friends will begin at 4:30 p.m. with his memorial service to follow at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 765 6th Street, Sour Lake. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
First Baptist Church-Sour Lake
- 765, 6th Street, Sour Lake, Texas, 77659,
- November 13, 2024
- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Memorial Service
First Baptist Church-Sour Lake
- 765, 6th Street, Sour Lake, Texas, 77659,
- November 13, 2024
- 5:30 pm
To Ann, and children , I know this is hard to loose a loved one , what a awesome man John was , always a smile on his face , a man of few words , I remember running into him going to the post office , a gentleman’s smile and a how are you , I’ll be praying for peace for the family , thinking of all of you at this time , love you all , Gale SACHITANO Nelson Austin , Texas
Dear Amber and family, just seeing and I’m so sorry about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Truly, Paula Atkins
Praying for you all, I’m so sorry for you loss. I will always remember watching John enjoy the margarita parties and playing Chantilly lace for us. He would make Amber and I virgin margaritas and we thought we were so cool. I love this sweet family and miss you with all of my heart.
Leah ❤️
You all are in our hearts and prayers. Peace be with you.
I worked for John for a couple of years about 2008-2010. I got a little irritated over something when somebody else in the dealership kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I have wanted to kick myself many times for ever leaving my job ar SLMC, much so because of John himself. John was usually in the dealership later in the day and he and I had numerous great conversations while I worked there. The world has lost a fantastic man.
There has never been anyone in Sour Lake like John Carpenter. Ever.
Those who knew him know.
We mourn his passing and give thanks for the privilege to have known him. He was a blessing.
Jim Loftin
Ann and Family, John was a very dear friend to us.
We all had some very wonderful times thru the years. May God Bless you all through the next days and always remember how much we loved you and John.
My most sincere condolences to Ann and all your family. I bought my first car a 68 Barracuda from Sour Lake Motors. What a wonderful family. 🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻
Ann, Im so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a sweet friendly person. Always a big smile. I knew him since I was a little girl because He was a friend of Darla’s.
I kept up with you & John thru the years with Darla & Buddy. They loved you both.
Prayers for your family.
ANN, IAM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF JOHN’S PASSING , OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES OF JOHN.
LOVE YOU’LL
JOE AND PEGGY PARIGI
Dear Ann. I am so sorry to learn about John’s passing. This has got to be so terribly hard so soon after Ruth’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Russell and I were very fond of John and had the upmost respect for him. Great memories of a wonderful human being!!!
Ann, sorry to hear of your husbands passing. May God give your family peace and comfort during this time.
Ann,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. You, your family and your loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories of the life you shared bring you comfort.
Dearest Ann & Family,
We are praying for you all during this time. Our hearts are broken for what you’ve endured in recent days. Regardless of what we are called to endure in this life, there is a better day approaching. We all have a great hope in Jesus. May your sweet memories keep you lifted during this time.
In His Powerful Grip,
Carl Lane & Cindy
Dearest Ann and family, we were shocked to hear of John’s passing. I have such fond memories of our younger years and the fun time we all had together. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family (Amber, Hunter and Travis). John will be greatly missed.
Ann, our love, thoughts and prayers are on going for you and all of the Carpenter family, friends and loved one. John is truly one of the best. There was nothing that John would not do for family, friends and loved ones. Judy and I are so thankful to have known y’all, for these past 40+ years. May GOD welcome John into His loving heart, granting John salvation and an eternal life, as a member of the family of GOD.
Ann and family, we were just shocked to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry Ricks and I are. We so enjoyed seeing John at various parties and on Wednesday nights bowling. He was a true gentleman and friend. We hope you’ll remember you have friends who will listen and do care. We are a couple of those friends. Please if we can do anything for you do not hesitate to call.
On behalf of the Lumberton Chamber, our heartfelt sympathy in your loss. Praying for Comfort to year of you. RIP Mr. Carpenter.
Another Sour Lake icon is gone. The Carpenter family has been a big part of this town for a long time and have contributed so much to school and community events. Sour Lake Motor was originally next to my grandparents’ house on Merchant Street so I’m sure I first saw John there, tooling (or should I say racing) around in the latest vehicle off the showroom floor. I mostly saw him at the post office in later years, that being his most important job at “The Motor Co.” I talked John into giving me a higher trade in price for my last vehicle and the sales team said I must’ve been somebody special because he never did that for anybody. Stay strong Ann; this is such a hard loss after just losing Ruth too. Your children, grandchildren and whole town are supporting you.
John was one of the best men I ever knew. I so enjoyed working for him and his kindness to every human being. Ann, Hunter, Amber, Travis, prayers to you in the coming days for peace. God bless y’all.