Funeral: Dennis K Carpenter

Dennis Keith Carpenter was born in Kansas City, to his parents—Richard and Doris Carpenter—on July 16, 1963. On September 14, 2023, from his home in North Kansas City, he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 60 years, 1 month, and 28 days.

He grew up the younger of Richard and Doris’ two children—his older sister, Debbie, being his life-long friend and pesterer. I mean she called him someone who had been “an old man forever,” this being a likely reason that he never married (maybe…or maybe not!). In the early eighties, Dennis graduated from Northeast High School, here in Kansas City.

After graduation, Dennis held various jobs working in IT for companies such as 3M, IBM, and Icon/PRA. I saw his home office set up the other day. The tech toys were really cool!

At a young age [around _______], Dennis responded to the Good News of the Gospel one Sunday night at church…at Bethany Baptist Church in Northeast. Debbie told me she remembers that night with her family there and crying, a happy cry, regarding his commitment to Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

Dennis had two big hobbies—among other things he enjoyed like smoking meats & cheeses, or barometers, old movies/TV—outside of his computer/tech interests. One of these was ham radio (or amateur radio). He was a member of the Northland Ham Radio and Northland Ares Clubs. It seems like a fascinating hobby…and, again, the tech equipment to go with it looks really, really cool!

Speaking of equipment, or toys, or tools…Debbie showed me the set up for Dennis’ other hobby in his basement—wood working. When we got into that area, all I could think was, “Man, my father-in-law would just love all this!”…being a wood worker, too. I saw amazing examples of his handiwork (some of which are here today. If you haven’t checked these out…you really need to!). This hobby was often Dennis’ escape.

Now Debbie, his sister…and life-long friend, describes Dennis as ‘meticulous’ (if you know what I mean). Everything had its place…always precisely how it should be [I just need to say a hearty ‘AMEN!’ to that.]. Seriously, too…Debbie also said that Dennis was really good to his sister—always there for her. One of their regular habits involved getting together on Fridays for dinner and catching up.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & Doris. He is survived by…and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sister, Debbie Carpenter; his nephew, J.R. Carpenter and family; his aunt, Fern Johnson and her family; and his beloved cat, Abigail…as well as many other friends.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 23:1–6 ESV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Song — “Amazing Grace”

Message

2 Corinthians 5:1–10 CSB

For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

As we have gathered here today, I have two hopes for you—Family & Friends alike—to be encouraged and comforted. First, sharing special memories of your relationship with Dennis. Keep this up. Don’t ever stop…AND, secondly, to share with you a lasting foundation for hope from God’s word...

At times like this we might be inclined to ask, “What’s next??” We ask this question—or ones like it—all the time: After the game, ‘Who do we play next?’…After Thanksgiving Dinner, ‘What’s next (or for dessert)?’…After graduation, ‘What’s next?” AND, on and on we go—especially if we are curious…or headstrong…or curiously headstrong (stubborn?)!

God answers that question for us, when we ask it regarding death. His answers, with which Dennis is now more certain than ever before…and in a more complete way than we can be right now…but with which—by faith—we can heartily agree…and be comforted by…today. SO…

After death, what’s next? [as we look at these words found in the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 5.1-10, notice how intricately (precisely, meticulously) linked these truths are!]

THE NEXT BODY IS THE BEST

2 Corinthians 5:1 CSB

For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.

THE NEXT LIFE IS PERFECT

2 Corinthians 5:2–5 CSB

Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

THE NEXT DWELLING IS WITH THE LORD

2 Corinthians 5:6–8 CSB

So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

…AND, I might add, all the blessed friends and family of ours—WHO TRUSTED JESUS TO BE THEIR SAVIOR & LORD…like Dennis’ parents (Debbie: “The trio is back together.”)

THE NEXT STEP IS UNAVOIDABLE

2 Corinthians 5:9–10 CSB

Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

**Are We—Are you?—Ready?**

Song: “The People that God Gives You” (Bowling Family)

[Michael Bowling — Lead Vocal]

Prayer

Dismissal of Chapel Service

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GRAVESIDE SERVICE:

Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 CSB

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

[V 13 — “Now I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren (KJV);” “I would not have you ignorant, brethren” (KJV, Rom. 1.13).]