Chiles Irwin Carpenter heard the words “well done” from his Savior in the early hours of May 19, 2021, at the age of 91. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, May 24, 2021, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 400 North Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana. A graveside service will be held at Culbertson Baptist Church Cemetery at 3286 Highway 151, D’Arbonne, Louisiana, following the funeral. The visitation will be held noon until the time of service at First Baptist Church.

Chiles Carpenter is survived by his two children: Colleen Carpenter Brasher and Colette Carpenter Breard (Mike). He is also survived by his five grandchildren who will continue his legacy of faith: Courtney Brasher, Lyndsey Sikes (Alex), Daniel Breard (Paige), Caleb Brasher (Lia), and Luke Breard (Caroline). He was blessed with nine great grandchildren who will grow hearing stories of their “Granddaddy,” instilling seeds of the Gospel that will grow for generations to come: Olivia and Benjamin Sikes; Eleonore, Emmeline, Bonaventure, and Stella Maris Breard; Millie and Jack Carpenter Brasher; David Michael Breard. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Virginia Revels, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and so many he loved in his town of Farmerville. Awaiting him in Heaven were his beloved wife Hilda Carpenter, his parents Mance Carpenter and Leona (Eddie) Cranford, his brother Bill Carpenter, and son-in-law Yancy Brasher.

Chiles Carpenter was born in Oakdale, Louisiana, September 6, 1929. He was the beloved “Sonny” of the Oakdale community. It was there God planted the desire to one day have a family to pass on the love so many had for him. Coach Cook had a lifelong impact on him not only as a student athlete, but also as a Christian mentor who would take him to church every Sunday. While at Oakdale High School, he was an All-State football player who played in two All-State All-Star games. He was the Outstanding High Hurdler for three years as well. Excelling in both track and football, he had collegiate offers for both, but ultimately chose Louisiana College over Louisiana State University, knowing even as a young man, Christ comes first. A four-year letterman in football, he also ran track for the LC Wildcats and lettered in that sport three times. He was named to the All-Conference team and was captain of the football team. As a collegiate football player, he caught the eye of Hilda Anne Revels, who loved to tell stories of their time at LC, stories that would make his face beam with contentment as he relived the memories of their lifelong love. Having celebrated seventy years of marriage, their wedding rings were engraved with “mizpah” claiming the covenant promise that the Lord be with them together and apart. Together, they resided in Oberlin and Rayville/Holly Ridge, until planting their roots firmly in Farmerville.

After receiving his B.S. from Louisiana College, he went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Education from Louisiana State University with the following certifications: general science, health/physical/safety education, parish or city school supervisor, principal, guidance counselor, and school superintendent. He also obtained a Master’s Degree +30 from Louisiana Tech University. Throughout his career, he served as teacher and coach, advancing to superintendent before he retired. Taking what he learned from his Coach Cook, “Coach Carpenter” took an active role in the lives of the young men who were so much more than just his football players. He continued to have contact with many of them until his final years, and loved them as sons. While during his tenure of superintendent, he actively mentored the true champions of education: the classroom teacher. Additionally, he is a former two-term member of the Louisiana College Board of Trustees. The Wildcat Athletic Association inducted him into the Louisiana College Sports Hall of Fame on October 19, 2001. He was an active, six decade member of First Baptist Church where he faithfully served the Lord through being a Deacon, high school boys Sunday School teacher, and teaching the adult Sunday School class for several decades. He was a lifelong student of the Bible, having read it in its entirety most years of his life. His life passionately told of the faithfulness of God. His family desires to thank his recent caregivers at St. Francis, Ridgecrest, and his sitters who took such good care of him. He enjoyed the relationship with each sitter, praying for them and being thankful for their help. And to his delight, God even provided him with a college football athlete with Grambling State University.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the ministry of your choice: First Baptist Church (400 North Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana, 71241); Life Choices (2007 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana, 71201); or The Grove Church (11314 Little Nellie Drive, Clermont, Florida, 34711). Granddaughter Lyndsey Sikes serves as the Director of Life Choices in Monroe. Grandson Caleb Brasher serves as the Pastor of The Grove Church in Florida.

**The family requests for his former football players to sit together at the service to be recognized as honorary pallbearers (see Kilpatrick staff prior to service for location of where to be seated).