Leonard Eugene Carpenter “Gene”, age 62, passed away on July 19th, 2023, after bravely battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a category of Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), for six years. Gene passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family, who were by his side throughout his entire journey.
Gene was born on June 12, 1961, to Leonard and Lillian Carpenter in Kansas City, MO. After graduating from Ruskin High School, Gene went on to obtain a Business Degree at Southwest Missouri State University. His sociability led him to a successful career selling corporate relocation services to fortune 500 companies, although his favorite job was a campus Miller representative.
During a Chiefs game watch-party in 1987, Gene was introduced to his future wife Christine (Chris) by his mother. They married on February 18, 1989, in Winter Park, FL and went on to have two beloved daughters, Mackenzie and Kelsie.
Together, Gene and Chris created a life full of love and adventure. They made many memories traveling, his favorite being their trips to Italy. They also loved attending Chiefs games and spending summers at Table Rock Lake. Gene will be remembered for his orneriness, “Yes Man” attitude, generosity, and his love for his family and friends. He was the life of every party and lived life to the fullest, going on outings and attending celebrations up until his final days thanks to the help of his dear friends, especially Tom and David Brown.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years Christine (Stolfa), his twin sister Lene Carpenter, daughters Mackenzie Carpenter and Kelsie (Kyle) Zimmerman, grandson Miles Zimmerman, his dog Izzy, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Chris would like to thank everyone for the loving support shown to both Gene and their family these past several years. A special thank you for the support, education, and wisdom provided by CurePSP and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration that was shared along this journey. Finally, a special thank you to the compassionate and excellent care provided by the staff at the Prairie Elder Care Farmstead for the past 18 months and Ascend Hospice.
Services will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on July 29th at 11:30am. 14251 Nall Ave. Overland Park, KS 66223
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s memory to: CurePSP https://www.psp.org
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration https://www.theftd.org