Robert S Carpenter's Obituary
Big Rapids, MI - Robert S. Carpenter, 87, of Big Rapids, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 2nd, 2016. Born in Ashland County, Ohio on August 30, 1928, the son of Jason and Ona Mae Carpenter, Bob attended and graduated from Shelby High School in Ohio. After school Bob joined the Army in September of 1946 and was honorably discharged in December of 1947. He then reenlisted in the air force in 1951 and was honorably discharged in December 1954. Bob moved to Big Rapids and attended Ferris State College in 1957. In November 1957, he opened the original Pizza Hut in downtown Big Rapids and ran it as the Pizza Hut until a law suit forced him to change the name to Pizza Bobs. Many a pizza was served from his south Michigan location until its closing in early 1970's. Bob dabbled in the bakery business when he and Dick Gilbert bought Wrights Bakery. Also, many hobby enthusiasts remember Bob's hobby shop, Mid-Michigan Hobby. After closing the pizza shop, the bakery, and the hobby shop, he went to work at Ferris State University until his retirement in 1992. Bob was a member of the American Legion, AmVets, and the V.F.W. Bob is survived by son, William (Albertina) Carpenter and daughter, Barbara (James) Stehle, all living in Florida; plus several grand and great-grandchildren; and special friends, , Bob (Mindy) Grunst, Shelly (John) Linnen, Jim Lindsey, Marilyn Cope, Ann Currie and Lynn Strecker. He was preceded in death by son, Robert Jr. Funeral services for Bob will be at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May, 5, 2016, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Charles Hewlett officiating. His family will greet friends beginning at 2:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Military Honors will be under the auspices of the Big Rapids American Legion Post #98.
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