Leonard Watson “Boots” Carpenter Jr.

February 25, 1934 ~ February 17, 2017

Leonard Watson “Boots” Carpenter Jr., age 82, of Montrose, Colorado passed away February 17, 2017 at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose.  Boots was born to Leonard Watson and Anne (Budd) Carpenter, Sr. in Opelousas, Louisiana and graduated from Lakeside High School in Lake Village, Arkansas.  He went on to college at Arkansas Agriculture and Mechanical College in Monticello, Arkansas, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree.

Boots married Linda V. Rankin on February 25, 1987 in Greenville, Mississippi. He spent many years working as an Employment Supervisor for United States Gypsum Inc., and as Deputy for the Chicot County Sheriff’s office in Lake Village, Arkansas.  Boots enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, horseback riding, camping and cooking.  While residing in Montrose, Boots was a member of the Montrose Chamber Red Coats along with his wife, before his retirement. He had also volunteered and did community service work for many years.

Surviving family members include his beloved wife, Linda Carpenter of the family home in Montrose; son, Robert Stout of Montrose; three daughters, Debbie Carpenter Gately of Little Rock, Arkansas, Amanda Carpenter Morgan of Butler, Alabama, Melissa Carpenter Wasson of Greenville, Mississippi; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  At Boot’s request, cremation has taken place.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to; Leonard W. “Boots” Memorial Fund, Alpine Bank, and any branch or mail to 2770 Alpine Drive, Montrose, Co. 81401.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.