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In Loving Memory of Warren Carpenter
Warren Carpenter, 80, of Elkins, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and, above all, love for his family.
Born in Webster Springs, West Virginia, Warren was the cherished son of the late Marvin Carpenter and Jessie Landy Carpenter. He attended school in Webster Springs before moving to Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked at the W.R. Grace Chemical Plant. His determination, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit would go on to shape both his life and the community he called home.
On March 20, 1971, Warren married the love of his life, Jane Elizabeth Arbogast Carpenter. Together, they built a life centered on love, partnership, family and shared dreams. Their 55 years of marriage were a testament to a lifetime spent side by side, building not only a family but a legacy.
In 1987, Warren, Jane and their son, Shawn, relocated from Baltimore to Elkins, West Virginia. A natural entrepreneur and visionary, Warren purchased the former Drive-In and transformed it into the Elkins Flea Market. Through 25 years of hard work and dedication, he helped establish a beloved local business that continues to be a part of the community today.
Warren was a gifted builder whose talents extended far beyond his business ventures. He had a special way of expressing his love for the people closest to him through the things he created with his own hands. He custom-built a store for his son, Shawn, known as "DVD's & Games," constructed a restaurant at the flea market for his wife, Jane, and later remodeled an old bakery into "Jane's Used Furniture." Most recently, he designed and built the restaurant for his daughter-in-law, Thais, now known as El Toro Steakhouse.
For Warren, building was more than a skill or a profession. It was a way to provide for his family, support their dreams, and leave something meaningful behind. His work reflected the same qualities that defined him as a person: dedication, ingenuity, generosity, and a willingness to turn an idea into something real.
Warren was widely loved and respected by those who knew him. His friendly nature, generous spirit, and remarkable ability to build and create will be remembered by many. He leaves behind not only the businesses and structures he helped bring to life, but also the memories, relationships, and lasting impact that made his life so meaningful.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Jane Carpenter; his son, Shawn Carpenter; his daughter-in-law, Thais; his grandchildren, Katrina Carpenter of Wisconsin, Natasha Carpenter of Martinsburg, Nicholas Carpenter, who is attending Shepherd University, and Chase Carpenter of Elkins; and his great-granddaughter, Arizona Carpenter of Wisconsin.
He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dave and Peggy Thompson of Elkins, Bob and Sherry Beverage of Virginia, Jimmy Arbogast and his faithful dog, Brownie, of Virginia, and Rick and Rebecca Arbogast of Glady, West Virginia.
In addition to his parents, Warren was preceded in death by his three brothers, Walter Carpenter, Clayton Carpenter and Wallace Carpenter; his two sisters, Norma Ingram and Katie Carpenter; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Beverly Dowell.
Warren's life was one of hard work, creativity, devotion, and love. His hands-built businesses and places for people to gather, but his greatest legacy will always be the family he loved and the lives he touched along the way.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
Visitation will be held at Randolph Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, from 6 p.m. until 8.p.m.
Funeral services will be held from the funeral home chapel on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Entombment will follow in Mt. State Memorial Gardens at Gilman.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Mt. Hospice and hospice nurse, Madison Lantz, for the excellent care Warren received.
Contributions in Warren's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation at support.apdaparkinson.org would be preferred as gestures of sympathy.
The Randolph Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Warren Carpenter. Condolences may be made at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.