Hugh ‘Sonny’ Carpenter

Delta, Colo. resident and longtime Gunnison resident and fourth generation “Gunnisonite,” Hugh D. “Sonny” Carpenter, passed away on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at his residence. He was 80 years of age. The memorial service honoring Sonny’s life was held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge #116 in Delta, Colo. Inurnment will take place in May 2017 at Gunnison Cemetery in Gunnison. Hugh DeVere Carpenter, Jr. was born on May 5, 1936 to Hugh DeVere and Ida Ruth (Evans) Carpenter in Cebolla, Colo. He grew up on the family ranch at Ohio Creek and at the family’s resort in Cebolla. He graduated from Gunnison High School with the Class of 1955 where he was a member of the wrestling and football teams. On December 7, 1957, Sonny married the love of his life, Myra Evonne Wright in Gunnison. To this union, two children were born. They lived in Gunnison then moved to Abilene, Texas in 1990 where they lived for four years then moved to Delta in 1994. Sonny, a carpenter by trade, was a member of Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church in Cedaredge which he loved and served as a deacon and the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge #116 in Delta. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and tinkering in his barn. Sonny is survived by his wife, Evonne Carpenter; his two daughters: Diana “Lynn” (Don) Cadrin and Sheila Denise Carpenter, all of Delta; his brother, George (Pat) Carpenter of Salida; and his sister, Joyce Ann (Barry) Bromley of Platteville, Colo.; brother in law Wayne (Jean) Wright, sister in law Pam Wright all of Grand Junction; sister in law Vicki Wright of Louisiana as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Ida Carpenter and a brother, Jack Harry Carpenter, brothers in law Arnold and Larry Wright, father and mother in law Lee (Lucille) Wright. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made in Sonny’s memory to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association at www.billygraham.org. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com.