September 5, 1932 – July 26, 2021
James Dalton Carpenter was born in Port Vincent, Louisiana, on September 5, 1932. A lifelong resident of Denham Springs, he died on July 26, 2021. He was truly the example of a self-made man. Born the son of a sharecropper, Dalton worked hard throughout his life and ended his career as a supervisor at LaRoche Chemical plant. A proud veteran, he joined the Army when he was 17, fought in the Korean War, and turned 18 on the battlefield. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for wounds sustained in battle as well as other awards for bravery, service and valor. “Dalton” to family and friends, “J.D.” to coworkers, “Poppa” to his grandkids, he was known for his lifelong love of music, his beautiful singing voice and his guitar playing. His jambalayas raised many a dollar for charity and his sons-in-law knew they were part of the family when he shared the secret of his coveted smoked turkeys. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, always out-fishing everyone with his special “blue-eyed” crickets. A wonderful storyteller, he was quick witted and always had a joke to tell. Dalton loved traveling, camping, cooking, playing music, and bringing people together. Dalton was also a man of God. Learning to love the Lord at his father’s knee, he was saved at a young age. He served as a Deacon at Hebron Baptist Church for over 5 decades. He truly was a good and faithful servant. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Rose Acosta Carpenter. His daughters: Terri Pebworth (Danny), Glenda Roussel (Randy), Lori Callais (Al), and stepchildren: Glenn McMillan Jr. (Bambi), Jennifer Brunelle (Kevin), John and Jeff McMillan. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Allison Roussel, Garritt Roussel, Ryan Juban, Amanda Callais, Kaitlyn Callais Stafford (Hunter), Victoria Callais, Lanee Hughes (Emily), Ian McMillan, Hannah Jones, Haley Jones, and Luke Pocorello. He was especially proud to have his youngest great grandson, Levi James Stafford, named in his honor. He is also survived by his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Charles Smith, sister-in-law, Wendy Carepenter, and lifelong friends, Marvin and Grace Eccles, plus many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, in Denham Springs on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 5pm until 8pm. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 10am until Celebration of Life Service at 12pm, conducted by Rev. Charles Ray Smith & Rev. Mike Smith. Entombment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Barbara Hill Carpenter, parents Edward C. and Lucille Achord Carpenter, sisters Doris Brignac, Daisy Gourden, and brothers Carter, Travis, A.F. “Freddie”, Richard, and Willie “WV” Carpenter (Pat). Condolences may be offered at www.sealefuneral.com
7 comments
Jo Ann Felder
August 5, 2021 at 2:33 pm
There are no words to tell you how sorry I am in the loss of Dalton.
Please know you’ll are in my thoughts
and prayers.
Dalton was a very dear christian friend of mine. He was a very kind and soft spoken man.
My latest memory of Dalton was at the hymn singing each month at Plainview church. Dalton played and sang with the band. He had a special song he sang called OLE MOS
and it was a very touching song to me.
When he would start singing it tears always came to my eyes. After that Dalton sang it every month and as always tears would come to my eyes.
When I heard of Dalton’s passing tears came to my eyes because of his death and I knew I would not hear him sing OLE MOS again on earth.
Rose you are such a wonderful person and you were just suited for Dalton. You are in my prayers .
Margie I know Dalton was your last
living brother and it is going to be hard on you. My prayers are with you.
Brenda Edwards
July 31, 2021 at 4:54 pm
We loved “Pops” so very much and often enjoyed seeing him and Rose at breakfast. Love you all and pray God grant you peace and many happy memories. With love, Brenda, Jimmy, and Jessica Edwards & Barbara and D.C. Ballard.
Kevin Moore
July 29, 2021 at 9:43 pm
He was always “Mr. Dalton ” to me, even the last time I saw him, maybe 5 to 10 years ago at Hebron. We lived across the street for several years and then down the road a bit. Mr Dalton, Mrs. Barbara, Lori, and her sisters were a important part of my life then. Though I remember his jambalaya, and his being an usher and handing out bulletins at church, my most vivid memories were learning to play guitar from him. I was about 10 years old and he took several of us under his wing and gave us lessons (I somehow remember Lori was there too). We’d often meet (as I remember anyway) in the original Fellowship Hall at Hebron and sit up on a stage they used to have up at the front. He patiently helped me learn enough chords to pretend to play the Johnny Cash songs I was fond of at the time, as well as quite a few hymns and gospel songs. I could never play or sing as well as he could (and never at the same time!), but he made a kid feel special and gave me something that I’ve been able to find pleasure in off-and-on all my life. I also appreciated his quiet dedication to community and church. As others have written, he was an example to follow and I’m glad he was one of the positive male role models I was able to have during my youth. Lori and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, Mr. Dalton.
Ray E Acosta
July 29, 2021 at 7:49 pm
True Man of God and friend to all
Honore Acosta
July 29, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Dalton was one of the best men I’ve ever known great example for any man to follow are use as a mentor. Beautiful and long life lived.
Myron Turner
July 28, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Uncle Dalton was a huge influence in my life. He left a legacy that has touched thousands. He is among my favorite childhood memories. From him and my Daddy, Carter, I learned my love of music, fishing and cooking. On this eve of my military retirement I can only believe he impacted my decision to serve in the military as well. And most importantly my decision to follow Christ. He will be greatly missed.
Lori Callais
July 28, 2021 at 9:55 pm
He always loved you and was proud of you, Myron.