Toledo Free Press

Alan Douglas (Doug) Carpenter, born in Cincinnati, OH, living in the Toledo area since 1973, passed away peacefully February 27, 2024. He was the beloved husband to Darlene (Schetter), father to Kezia Carpenter, Kristy DiSalle (Chad), Kara Elliott (Jim), and grandfather to Dominic, Andrew, and Nicholas DiSalle and Derek and Samantha Elliott. His dog Lily was his faithful friend.

He will be missed by his many friends and extended family, especially his brother Tom (Allison), sister-in-law Betty, and his nephews Jeff (Cindy) and Doug (Roni) and nieces Becky Nugent (Kevin), Kelly Ruiz (Matt), and Bonnie Branan (Andy). He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Clara, brother Ken, and niece Sandra.

Doug met his high school sweetheart Darlene (Dar) at North College Hill High School in Cincinnati (Class of 1962). Who pursued who is always up for debate; they married November 20, 1965. Doug graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from University of Cincinnati in June 1966 cradling his first daughter, Kezia, as he sported his cap and gown. He initiated his business career working for Dun & Bradstreet in the greater Cincinnati area, Charleston, W.Va., and eventually Toledo. His twin daughters Kristy and Kara were born in 1972 in Charleston, which is why John Denver’s “Country Roads” is a family favorite.

Ultimately, Doug and Darlene made Toledo their home. Doug began working for S&R Equipment and the Schmitz family in Perrysburg, OH. He started in sales and quickly became a beloved branch manager and CEO overseeing their offices in OH, MI and IN. He was dedicated to the equipment field for over 25 years, retiring in November 2002 at age 55. He was a mentor and inspiration to his colleagues, employees, and his children and grandchildren.

Doug was a quintessential family man. The Carpenters gathered for weekend visits and holidays in Cincinnati, Kings Island P&G Days, and annual fishing trips at Houghton Lake, MI. Doug was also devoted to his wife’s family the Schetters. Special memories included celebrating Christmas at Thanksgiving, visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, and taking his father-in-law Charlie to the WWII Memorial in DC to honor his military service. He taught everyone how to fish, he even turned Grandma Gladys into a fisherwoman. She famously said, “Doug’s a keeper!”

Doug and Darlene bought a lake house in Port Clinton, OH in 1996 to continue family fishing, 4th of July, and card playing traditions. Doug’s hospitality knew no bounds; he loved bringing everyone together. His family, especially his daughters, will carry on his legacy with pride. Captain Drew learned to pilot the Carp n’ D from the best. The Kingsmen’s “Louie, Louie” will always be played in his name. “Fish on!” will be exclaimed while trying to reel in a keeper. Crosswords will continue to be solved with a cup of coffee, watching boats go by.

Doug spent his early retirement well. He was a UC Bearcat season ticket holder alongside his brothers Ken and Tom. He attended family weddings and graduations, his grandchildren’s varied sporting events from baseball games to taekwondo and equestrian competitions, traveled regularly to NC to see his daughter Kara and her family, and to NYC, Ecuador, and Panamá to see his daughter Kezia. Retirement provided time for vacations out West and to Hawaii with Darlene, annual Canadian fishing trips with friends, European travel with longtime friends, and meeting his daughter Kezia in Australia. His daughters Kara and Kristy organized annual family beach weeks at the Outer Banks, NC and Doug and Dar spent many winters in Florida with his brother Ken and wife Betty.

Alan Douglas, Doug, Bro, Herman, Carp, Mr. C., Papa Doug, Dad, Daddy, and Papi will be remembered with great love and laughter. He’s forever “On top of the world!”

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. S. Boundary St, Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133). Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am in Maumee United Methodist Church, 405 Sackett St, Maumee, OH 43537. Burial will follow at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The family would like to thank the staff at Waterford at Levis Commons and Careline Hospice for their support and loving care of their parents. Condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com