Obit: Frank Carpenter, 1961, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by: Lewis F. "Frank" Martin, PO Box 1871, Jena, LA 71342 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Prepared for submission by: Peggy Beaubouef SOURCE: Winn Parish Enterprise, 21 Dec 1961 CORONER REPORTS CARPENTER DEATH WAS ACCIDENTAL Accidental drowning has been ruled by coronoer's authorities here in the death of Frank Carpenter, 53, of Calvin, whose body was found December 15 in backwater near Carter Crossing on Iron Branch in the Cypress Creek community. He was a former member of the Winn Parish School Board. A house moving contractor, Mr. Carpenter was accustomed to being gone from home several days at a time. Winn Parish Sheriff Sanford Jordan said that Mr. Carpenter was last seen alive by Herman Boyett at the latter's store in Ward 4, Tuesday night, December 12. The sheriff said Mr. Carpenter purchased groceries and left driving a pick-up truck. On the following morning, at least one man reported sighting the truck stalled in backwater on a dirt road. Thursday morning, this same man returned to the area to hunt hogs, and found the truck had not been moved, and immediately began trying to identify the truck. This was not accomplished until afternoon, and a search party was organized by nightfall. Rain and darkness forced the hunt to be stopped about 1 a.m. Friday, but it was resumed at daylight. Olen Brewton, operator of a fishing camp on Saline Lake, discovered the body in five-foot deep water about 8:45 Friday morning. It was some 50 yards downstream from the vehicle. Authorities believe the truck motor was drowned by water flowing over the road, and that Mr. Carpenter was overcome by the current when he attempted to wade from the truck. The verdict of accidental drowning was based on an autopsy report. Funeral services were held Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Southern Funeral Chapel and burial was in the Bethlehem Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, two sons, James and Dale Carpenter, two daughters, Patsy and Polly Carpenter, all of Calvin, six brothers, Alon, Leon, Bob, W.E., Calop, and Clifford all of Calvin, four sisters, Mrs. Ruth Lowe, Mrs. Ruby Carter, Mrs. Earline Martin, and Mrs. Helen Reed, all of Calvin, his mother, Mrs. W.E. Carpenter, Sr., and several grandchildren.