Clifford Christopher "Kip" Carpenter Jr.

Clifford “Kip” Christopher Carpenter, Jr., of Independence, Missouri passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022. He was 88 years of age.

Kip was born in Cambridge, Ohio in 1934 to Clifford and Martha. He was the eldest of five children. He graduated from high school in Gary, Indiana before enlisting in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy, Kip received a degree in music, taught musical theory, and played the base fiddle in the United States Navy Band. Kip met the love of his life and best friend, Sally LaPoint while singing in a church choir. They married in 1958 and a year later welcomed a daughter, Cindy, in 1959 followed shortly by another daughter, Cathy in 1963 and a son, Chris in 1964. Kip was a devoted husband, father, and Grandfather.

He was a navy veteran, retired realtor, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years. Kip was a man with many musical talents. He loved singing and could play just about any instrument put in front of him. He also loved traveling, cooking, reading, telling jokes, gardening, boating, and going to church. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Kip will be missed by his wife of nearly 65 years, Sally; daughters: Cindy (Ken) McClain and Cathy Carpenter; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Jim) Haney; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Clifford Christopher “Chris” Carpenter; his siblings, Candace “Candy” Vaupel, Don Carpenter, and Thomas “Tony” Carpenter.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Kip has requested a private family service. Instead of flowers family suggest contributions be made to the American Lung Association or American Heart Association.