Waylon Carpenter

Burwell — Waylon Carpenter, 48, of Burwell, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

A celebration of life service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Burwell. There will be a time of sharing stories and photos during the service.

Burial will be in the Chambers Cemetery in Chambers at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation. Please send to Loraine Covington, P.O. Box 355, Kirbyville, MO 65679.

Waylon was born on Oct. 19, 1974 to Asa and Loraine (Fischer) Carpenter in Burwell. Waylon overcame adversity from an early age, having suffered a stroke just a few days before his first birthday, yet he never let anything stop him from what his heart dreamed he could do. In Bible school, he accepted Christ, receiving eternal life at a young age.He continued to grow in his faith through youth group, church and relationships with friends and family.

Waylon was a middle child with one older sister Shirley and one younger sister Carmen. He enjoyed helping dad with chores, mom with the garden and playing trucks with the kitties growing up. He learned his hard work ethic on the ranch, riding horses to bring in the milk cows, fixing fence, with a little time for bike rides and barbeques at the fair sprinkled in. 

Waylon graduated from Chambers High School in 1994 and continued to help on the family ranch. He followed in the footsteps of his grandpa and uncle and began to work part-time at the Burwell Livestock Market in 1995. He then took some time off to learn welding at Job Core in Alliance and returned to work at Rowse Rakes (1997-2001) while continuing to work part-time at the salebarn. He also had the opportunity to work at Big Red Feeds for about 10 years, but his dedication to the Burwell Livestock Market remained his main work focus until the time of his passing (almost 28 years). 

In 2003, Waylon joined the Sons of the American Legion in honor of his dad Asa E. Carpenter, who served in the Korean War. Waylon enjoyed serving, marching and was active at every event the Legion was invited to participate in. He became the commander of the Sons and took much pride in organizing, serving and honoring others. He had just earned his 20 year badge with the Sons. 

Waylon taught himself to play guitar and worked years at perfecting this craft, playing with local friends and family whenever he could. He also enjoyed singing karaoke, bowling, fixing things, welding, gardening, visiting with folks and woodworking--a skill he worked very hard at and enjoyed giving to others.

Waylon was an extremely hard worker and had the biggest heart. He would give all he had to work on projects he could make for others and would always say yes if someone needed a helping hand, cattle worked or moved, fence fixed, haying in the hayfield,or a load hauled anywhere, thus nurturing his dream of becoming a truck driver. 

Waylon is survived by his mom Loraine (Terry) Covington of Kirbyville, MO, two sisters Shirley (Aaron) Rogers of Kirbyville, MO, and Carmen (Bob) Hoskins of Sheridan, IN, and special friend Tara Morrow of Cochise, AZ. 

He was preceded in death by his dad Asa, uncles, aunts, grandparents and a cousin. 

Waylon, 

You had more Love to give,

You had more Love to receive,

You had more projects to do

And lots of fixing, I do believe…

There were more fences to mend, 

More tractors & trucks to drive, 

And more cattle to tend – 

So Not Fair to not be alive!

Your boots weren't done dancing. 

Fun times were yet to be had. 

More songs to sing and music to play,

Now you're there playing tunes with Dad. 

The hand you were dealt in life's just not fair, 

But through its challenges, you gave it your all. 

You gave your life for your friends – 

“No greater Love” – 

And with that, you stand Tall!

With Love Forever, 

                    your sister - Shirley