Bobby L. Carpenter, 87, of Lompoc, California, passed away January 5th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on May 16, 1938, in his family home in Chattooga County, Georgia, to Clara Lee and George Benson Carpenter. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Subligna High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and was selected for Ground Radio Repair School at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. His service took him overseas for six months in Italy and eighteen months in Tripoli, Libya. In 1958, he received orders to Camp Cooke Air Force Base (later known as Vandenberg AFB), bringing him to Lompoc, California.

On July 7, 1962, Bob married the love of his life, Judith Williams, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they built a life in Lompoc, where they lived for 63 years, aside from a brief period on the East coast while he worked on a tracking ship for the Apollo program. They were blessed with four children and nine grandchildren who brought them endless joy.

Bob and Judy have been devoted members of Bethany Lutheran Church, where Bob served faithfully as an Elder. He and his sons were involved in YMCA Indian Guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, where Bob also took on leadership roles.

Through the GI Bill, he earned an associate degree from Allan Hancock College, while working full-time, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning.

He was an enthusiastic collector, finding delight in electron tubes, stamps, and Jefferson nickels.  He also enjoyed researching Santa Barbara County postal history and collecting countless small treasures that spoke to his curiosity and appreciation for history.

For more than three decades, Bob poured his heart into researching his Zimmerman and Carpenter family genealogy through genetics - a passion that connected him deeply to his roots. Bob will be remembered for his steady kindness, his devotion to family, and the joy he brought with his hilarious "dadisms". His legacy lives on in the generations he loved so dearly.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Judy, daughter Brenda Weatherly (Ken), son Robert Carpenter (Cyndi), son Brian Carpenter (Paula), daughter Rebecca Kern (Tom); grandchildren Taylor, Miranda (Brandon), Cameron, Evan, Weslee, Joshua, Jordyn, Ethan, and Colby; sister Nellie Blocker and brothers Jesse (Sharon), Riley (Pam), Stan (Jocelyn); and sisters-in-law Johanna Brody and Jane Lightfoot.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, January 12th, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 135 South E Street, with a brief internment at Evergreen Cemetery, followed by a reception in the fellowship Hall at Bethany Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Bethany Lutheran Church.