Waylon Carpenter

Burwell, NE – Waylon Carpenter age 48 passed away September 20, 2023 at his home in Burwell.

Waylon Carpenter

October 19, 1974 – September 20, 2023

Waylon was born on October 19, 1974, to Asa & Loraine (Fischer) Carpenter in Burwell, Nebraska.  Waylon overcame adversity from an early age, having suffered a stroke just a few days before his 1st birthday, yet he never let anything stop him from doing 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 & 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 & uncle & 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, Nebraska, and returned to work at Rowse Rakes (1997-2001) while continuing to work part time at the sale barn. 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 perfecting this craft, playing with local friends & 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, & sister Shirley (Aaron) Rogers, both of Kirbyville, MO, sister 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.

A Celebration of Life Service, will be held Monday, October 23, 2023, at 6:30 PM at the First Christian Church in Burwell, NE. There will be a time for sharing stories and photos during the service. Internment will be at the Chambers Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Memorials may be sent to: Loraine Covington – PO Box 355 – Kirbyville, MO 65679.

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