Ernie Lee Carpenter

Ernie Lee Carpenter passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84, after a courageous battle with stage 4 gastric carcinoma. He was known for his proud demeanor and strong determination, having risen from humble beginnings to achieve significant success later in life.

 Ernie was born February 21, 1940, on a farm outside Towner, North Dakota, to Ernest and Marie [McCombs] Carpenter. When he was 9 years old, Ernie’s family relocated to Oregon, where he grew up in Toledo, Newport, and Siletz before settling in Salem, at the age of 18.

 In 1959, Ernie met the love of his life, Barbara [Hodgins]; they married the following year. Three years later, Ernie was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a cook in Alaska, reaching the rank of Specialist 4th Class. In 1966, he and Barbara welcomed their only child, Tiffany.

 Ernie had a long and diverse career. In 1965, he began working for the State of Oregon. Soon, he was offered a position as a software engineer, at which he excelled. He and Barbara began renovating the homes they lived in, moving frequently until settling on a farm outside Monmouth, Oregon. After retiring from the State of Oregon, Ernie went to work at Standard Oil of Ohio in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving on to Progressive Insurance. In 1990, he returned to Oregon to work with his brother, Tom, at Microwave Tower Service (MTS). Ernie played a key role in the company’s success, serving as President of MTS and CEO of American Tower.

 Even after leaving corporate roles, Ernie’s entrepreneurial spirit continued. He invested in and renovated properties, including his final and most beloved project—a farm outside Lyons, Oregon, where he raised cattle. Ernie had a lifelong passion for cars, with a particular fondness for the Chevrolet Bel Air. 

 Ernie Lee Carpenter was a good-natured person with a kind heart, easily making countless lifelong friends. He was a devoted family man, cherishing his time with loved ones. Ernie will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, sharp wit, and boundless love for his family. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created with those who loved him.

 He is survived by his daughter, Tiffany (Rod) Gwinn; grandchildren: Ernie Lucas, Morgan Lucas, Paige (Greg) Brown, and Victoria Gwinn; great-grandchildren: Chesney Coleman, Grace Lucas, Gavin Brown, Artemis Gwinn-Burnett and Fallon Gwinn-Burnett; brothers: Gene (Donna), Steven (Sally); and sisters: Linda Larsen, Nancy Rosin, Penelope (Robert) Mackey, Pamela Kokstis, and Cathy Boitz. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

 Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Carpenter and Marie Davis; his siblings: Connie Avery, Shelby, Monte, Tommie, David, and Matthew; nephew, Alan Boitz; and niece Rebecca [Edwards] Langloh.

 A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 4550 Lone Oak Road Southeast, Salem, Oregon. A viewing will take place from 10:00 to 10:50 A.M., followed by the service at 11:00 A.M. At 12:30, a celebration of life will be held at Illahe Hills Country Club, 3376 Country Club Road South, Salem, Oregon, to commemorate Ernie’s remarkable life. 

 Ernie will be interred at Belcrest Memorial Park, 1295 Browning Avenue South, Salem, Oregon, Monday, January 6, 2025 at 12:00 P.M.