of Batesville, AR
January 13, 1954 - January 12, 2025
Steve Carpenter, 70, of Batesville passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025.
He was born January 13, 1954 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Malcolm Price Carpenter and Carmen Luella Scholze Carpenter.
Steve Carpenter was raised on a farm in Waldenburg, Arkansas. He is a third generation farmer who spent the early part of his life managing his parent's rice and soybean farm. Early in his career he teamed up with local farmers and fabricators where he began developing specialized farming implements and experimenting with no-till farming. His creativity and success was rewarded with the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year award. He then expanded into a fish farm that specialized in raising catfish, tilapia and carp. He pioneered oxygenated transport to live markets in Toronto, Houston and New York City.
After the turn of the century, he built Josie's Steakhouse in Waldenburg, Arkansas. It was so successful, that he attempted to franchise the restaurant and expanded to Batesville, Arkansas. Unfortunately, he was met with much resistance and his dreams of a franchise were halted. Despite the financial troubles that caused him to lose control of his farm, local political assault that compromised bank loans, fire that destroyed his restaurant, a severe burn and crush injury when he was trapped under his truck and the traumatic loss of his son and daughter-in-law, he never stopped fighting for his family.
Steve rebuilt his restaurant by hand, made the necessary financial sacrifices to persevere and never stopped working to pay the bills. He was a jack of all trades, possessing the knowledge and entrepreneurial brilliance of billionaires. Yet, rather than being rich in coin, he was rich in love and served many around him who were less fortunate than himself. He always had more projects going on than any one person could complete. He had an eye for a deal and the trigger finger of an old west gunman. He had no fear of failure and pitied the fools who were afraid to take risks. He lived every moment as if it was his last and would no doubt have survived if he was the one in charge of his own rescue.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Beth Richardson Carpenter of the home; two sons, Dylan Carpenter (Destiny) of Batesville and Dayton Carpenter (Brittany) of Rosie; sister, Carolyn Harper (Pat) of Helena; seven grandchildren, Josie Krentz (John Samuel), Kieffer Carpenter, Price Carpenter, Dash Carpenter, Cruz Carpenter, Jax Carpenter and Charley Carpenter; niece, Kimberly Dockins; nephew, Thomas Harper and many many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dustin Carpenter and daughter-in-law, Sarah Kieffer Carpenter.
Pallbearers are Dylan Carpenter, Dayton Carpenter, Price Carpenter, Jax Carpenter, Kieffer Carpenter, Charley Mack Richardson and Shawn Drake. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Weever, Greg Griffin, Andrew Pinkston, Dale Hall, Jay Reiman and Clemon Wolf.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Maple Springs Baptist Church with Curt Howard officiating with other speakers, including Bryan Tuggle, Phil Pulley, Mitch Bell and Jason Barber. Committal services will begin at 1:00pm at Waldenburg Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the church.
Obituary provided by family.
Sign Guestbook
62 Condolence(s)
Alan Vickery
Sunday, January 19, 2025
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Bill and Karen (Neighbors) Fies
Saturday, January 18, 2025
We extend our sincerest condolences to you and the family. God Richly Bless you and the memories of Steve!
Carol Williams Pinkston
Saturday, January 18, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Patricia Arnold
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Beth, Dylan and Dayton Carpenter and Carolyn Harper and your whole family, we extend our sincerest condolences in the loss of Steve a most admirable, honorable, loving husband, father, grandfather, diversified farmer, and amazing business man! Fom the Granthams from Fisher!
Clint Reed
Saturday, January 18, 2025
I hope you all find peace in knowing he is welcomed with open arms in heaven. He always greeted me with a smile and was always willing to offer me a helping hand when I needed one. He won’t be soon forgotten. Heaven gained a good man.
Carl and Melany Sawyer
Saturday, January 18, 2025
To All The Carpenter Family,
Sending our deepest condolences for your loss. Steve left a beautiful legacy of family and friends. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug & Patti Brown
Friday, January 17, 2025
Beth,
We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of this great tragedy and loss. May God's grace and comfort be with you, the boys and all your family in this time of deep hurt and loss. Our prayers are with you.
Delane Hogan
Friday, January 17, 2025
It has been several years since I’ve talked with Steve, but the things written in his obituary tells his story well. I was blessed to have known him and call him my friend. May God be with his loved ones.
Terri Harris
Thursday, January 16, 2025
My heart goes out to the family and many close friends. My prayers for comfort and remember our wonderful hope from
Jehovah God ...who cannot lie. John 5:28,29. Psalms 34:18
Laura Martin
Thursday, January 16, 2025
In my thoughts and prayers
Laura Martin
Barbara Hobbs
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Paryers going up for the family ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™â™¥ï¸ðŸ¦‹
donna willis
Thursday, January 16, 2025
So sorry for your loss..Those angels have their hands full now :)
Always kind and funny... not forget busy always doing something..
I know he will be missed by many ..Prays and thoughts
James Gaithet
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Miss Beth I am sorry for your loss, I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you.
Tiffannie (Hogue) Cloud
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Beth, I’m so sorry. You have been through so much, but remain so strong. I think back on the good old days of you substituting at school and working in the kitchen at the dairy shack. You have always protected your family and taken such good care of them. I know it must seem strange to no longer have your partner and mate by your side. You have two fine sons that you both raised together and are products of your love. You have raised them well and I know they will always be by your side. I’ll be praying for all of you in the days to come. I hope you find nothing but peace, happiness, and pure joy for all of your days. You truly deserve it. Love you Beth, you’ve always been so kind. Big hug!
Peggy Franks
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Beth, My heart breaks for you during this of sorrow. I know you have wonderful memories that you and Steve created as a couple and family. I will continue to pray for you and the family. Love you ………..
Shad & Tammy Pearce
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Deepest condolences and all our love to this special family. So many memories of this life lived to the fullest.
Lisa Johnson
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Misty (Hall) Pickle
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Sending love, hugs and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Steve was one of a kind !!
Howard Baswell
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Steve will B missed by many people including me. One thing I will never forget is that he would always drive from Batesville 2 Hardy & bring me one of his wife's Strawberry Pies. RIP my friend.
Theresa Tomlinson
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
In our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Theresa Tomlinson
Kenny and Lisa Crafton
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
We are thinking of your family with much love and prayer. May God bless you in the Days ahead and give you peace and comfort. We love you all.
Kenny and Lisa Crafton
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
We are praying for peace and comfort.
Paul and Sharon Strecker
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Beth and family, our hearts are broken for your loss of Steve, we will always remember the good times we had working beside him at the John 3:16 events. He was a teacher and a leader. We were blessed to have known him. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers, we love you!
Pau and Sharon
Kenneth & Karen Buchanan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
So sorry to hear the news of this tragic accident! We are praying for peace and comfort for the Carpenter family!
Gerald and Tami Ramey
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Gerald and I are so sorry for your loss. Steve was one of a kind and a dear friend. We will all miss him and that smile. May God bless your family.
Phil Whybrew
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Prayers & condolences to Beth Ann , sons & all immediate family.
Waldenburg, Batesville & all surrounding areas have, definitely, lost a good man. May God provide comfort, peace & strength during these challenging days ahead.
Sherman Rucker
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Steve u will truly be missed my friend....
Shirley Nowell, I am so very sorry for you, Beth, and all the family.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Sissy Lynn
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
God is Good even through the bad times and sad times. Hugs and lots of prayers and my heart breaks for you and your family..
Glenn , Cathy, Brian, Chad, Jen, XaXa Edwards
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Mel Poisso
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
May God look over the friends and family.
Steve will be well missed. He was a good friend to me . RIP
Seth Simmons
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Prayers for such a great family!
Lila Harmon
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
To all the Carpenter family: Gordon and I are heartbroken over the loss of Steve, your husband, father, grandfather, loved one and friend to many. Gordon visited with and ate many meals with Steve at the Triangle Cafe and other places - Gordon and Steve bonded over their love and experience as farrmers, ranchers and business owners with a rock-solid work ethic and a never, ever give up attitude. Anyway, when Gordon heard what was happening Sunday, the first person he thought of was Steve, and tried to call him to find out what was going on and who was involved. Then when he learned who was in that plane, the worry & prayers started from our family. We were pulling for him and were sure he could figure out the solution. Our hearts are hurting for all of you, remembering Steve and his outgoing personality & fearless love of life. He was one -of-a-kind and will not soon be forgotten. Our sympathies and love reach out to all of you - Gordon & Lila Harmon and family
Harry Milligan
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Steve Carpenter was an incredible friend—kind, hardworking, and always willing to help anyone in need. His selflessness and caring spirit touched everyone around him, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Joe David Smith
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Misty Marie
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I have many wonderful memories of you at Randy's house! Y'all always made everyone laugh so much and you inspired Weldon in so many ways .. I pray for your family and friends Steve bc we have a huge loss here on earth but I know you will make it to Heaven Shouting!!!
Toni Bolt
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
May God’s Grace be with the family, now and in the days to come.
Kenton "Kinky" & Mary Guenzel
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Beth we were so sorry to learn about Steve. He was as you know, one of a kind. We have had lots of fun memories with you and Steve. Our heart goes out to you and your family.
Don Mcspadden
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Steve had the best heart. He was a friend. A source of wisdom, inspiration and a laugh or two. He did so much for this community. He was the first to bring a first class restaurant to this area. He cared about this area. He will be missed by many.
Edith Elms
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good neighbor and always kind to us. I’m praying for you all.
Shawn Powell
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Johnny Hubbard
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss Beth. I haven't seen you in many years but still have good memories of those days. Steve was one of a kind. May the Lord bless you and your family and get you through this tragedy.
Lynn and Lana McCarty
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
We are so sorry for the loss of Steve. We will continue to keep his family in our prayers. He will be truly missed.
Shannon Richardson
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry about you losing Steve. Keeping Beth and family in my continued prayers.
Jerry & Connie Townsley
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
To all the Carpenter Family
So sorry to hear about this tragic accident. Our hearts break for you. Steve was one of a kind. When he had Josie’s we went there often. He was always friendly and a good host. May he rest in peace. Prayers for God’s love to comfort you
Jerry & Connie Townsley
Tawanna McIlvoy
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers for the families.
Virginia carol Baker
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss many prayers for each and everyone one
Florence M Peters
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear this. Steve was a gifted young man with a heart of gold for his dear family and friends. Beth and family, may our God give you His peace that passes all understanding.
Florence Henderson Peters
My late husband Bobby Joe.
Samantha Garner Sawyer
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
May all the fond memories of him live in our hearts forever. He definitely had an entrepreneur outlook on life.
May God bring the family comfort and peace.
Lori (Block) Orrick
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Beth, Dylan, and Dayton, I'm so sorry. Steve was one of a kind. Losing a dad sure is hard. You guys are in my prayers.
Linda Jobe
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Beth and family, my heart is broken for you. You have endured loss beyond words. But, as you know HE gives us no more than we can stand. You are evidently strong..... I am Praying fervently for Our Loving Heavenly Father to Hold you, Comfort you and give you Peace. Much Love, Linda
Allen williams
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So so sorry, many prayers for all
Melanie McAnally
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. He was loved and his company was enjoyed by many. May God comfort your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Beard-Ivy
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Our family has your family in prayer for comfort and grace for this time in your lives.
Gregg Griffin
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Jacqui McSpadden
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Destiny and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve used to come by our table every week at Josie’s and check in to make sure we had what we needed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jacqui
Ron and Nina Stephens
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
To The Family of Steve
I am very sorry to hear of Your Loss , this void can not be easy , Words can not express any amount of comfort, But Trust Our Father in Heaven , may he wrap his arms around you during this time , Praise him that you have so many wonderful Memories, May they bring a smile , and Please take some form of peace knowing that Others care , may the love of the community help support ,
Sherry smith
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Praying for your family Steve was a good boss
Tom & Pat Jernigan
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry about your loss of Steve. He was a very good friend to Tonya and John, our youngest children. Our prayers are with all of the families during this tragedy that caused this loss of Steve.
Charles Trotter
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the families.
Doug Brodie
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
God bless the family. His son is an excellent surgeon and his wife is a very hard worker.
Sherri Hughes
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Steve was such a nice human being and always willing to help those in need. My heart and prayers go out to the family at this time of loss.