Thomas Lee Carpenter Sr.
Born November 9, 1961 – Passed April 7, 2026
Thomas Lee Carpenter Sr., born November 9, 1961, in Tacoma, Washington, passed away on April 7, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota. A loving and devoted father, he was re-united in heaven with his beloved wife, Shirley, and several loved ones who had gone before him.
On November 16, 1985, Tom married the love of his life, Shirley Lee Griffin. Together, they built a life centered on love and family, raising their two sons, Thomas Lee Carpenter Jr. (Rosalie) and Joshua Lee Carpenter (Angela).
Tom found immense pride and fulfillment in his career as a chef. Over the years, he dedicated nine years to Red Lobster and thirteen years to Outback Steakhouse, before later serving as a chef at Weatherford Medical Center.
Throughout his life, Tom faced many health challenges, including leukemia, diabetes, and lung cancer, yet he met each obstacle with remarkable strength and perseverance.
Tom will be dearly missed by his family and friends for his warm sense of humor, his ability to bring smiles and laughter to those around him, and his familiar words, “Love y’all,” which will forever echo in their hearts.
