Ben Allen Carpenter was born on June 16, 1934, in his grandmother’s second-floor apartment across the street from the Cuero Courthouse. He graduated from Cuero High School, after which he attended Austin College and Austin Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree.
Ben went on to pastor churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. After fourteen years in full-time ministry, he left the pastorate but continued to serve as a supply
preacher while working in materials tracking for Brown & Root in Houston. Upon returning to Cuero, he worked for the Devereux Foundation for 15 years, first in direct care and later as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor.
His final supply pastorate was at Yoakum Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served for more than 20 years.
Ben is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann; four children, Deborah Crawford (Jay) of Katy, Philip Carpenter of Magnolia, Amanda Hargrove (Eric) of Cuero and Sarah Bixenmann (Greg) of Cuero; as well as four grandchildren: Ethan Hargrove, Austen Bixenmann, Paisley Bixenmann, and Aria Bixenmann.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Lorne Paul Carpenter.
Ben greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren show their animal projects at livestock shows and loved taking them camping. After retirement, he was sometimes called upon for babysitting duties, a role he cherished. Above all, Ben loved being with his family. Church was an important part of Ben’s life, and he instilled that same importance in his children and grandchildren. He attended church regularly up until the week of his death.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 26, 2025, 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church with services to begin at 2:00 PM with Pastor Kevin Boyd officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Mike Carroll, Eric Hargrove, Ethan Hargrove, Greg Bixenmann, Austen Bixenmann and Jay Crawford.
Memorial Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or C.A.M.A.L House.