Biographies: Bob Carpenter, 1976, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: July 14, 1976 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American

Mayor Of Calvin, Bob Carpenter Retires From Voc. School

"People did me more good when they went out and got a job.  That's the most
important thing to me."

This is what Bob Carpenter said about his teaching position at the Huey P.
Long Memorial Vocational School in Winnfield.  Carpenter retired on June 25,
after 29 years as an office occupations instructor in business-accounting
section of the school.

"I must have taught just about every office worker in Winnfield," Carpenter
said.  

Now that he's retired, Carpenter has made no definite plans, but thinks he'll
concentrate on his position as mayor of Calvin.

First elected to office in 1970, Carpenter is in his second term.

"I ran for mayor because I saw things that needed to be done and thought the
best way was to get in and try to do it myself," Carpenter said.

Carpenter got into teaching following World War II.

"I had planned to go to LSU, but some friends talked me into going to
Northwestern, and I liked it."

Carpenter received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Northwestern.

Carpenter and his wife Lanell have been married for 30 years, and they have
two sons, Bobby, 29, and Ronnie, 19.  Both attend Louisiana Tech University.

A veteran of World War II, Carpenter served as master sergeant in the
Air Force.  Carpenter spent 32 months in India and China under the command
of Gen. Claire Chennault.

As mayor of Calvin, Carpenter is proud of the new water system for the
village.

"The people worked hard, and some were skeptical of the water project.  But
now most agree that it was a good move."

The main two projects Carpenter is working on now are a sewer system and
an improved recreational program for Calvin.

"I think we, the people of Calvin, should participate more in these new
programs and try to do more for the children," Carpenter said.

Carpenter likes the mayor's position but doesn't think he'll run for re-
election.

"Right now I've been busy with several things, and really am not sure what I
want to do.  But I'm going to enjoy retirement for a while before I do
anything."