Robert D. (Bobby) Carpenter, 56, of Dresden, formerly of Holloway, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 09, 2008 at home surrounded by the voices and prayers of his loving family, after a long difficult struggle fighting cancer.Bobby was a much-loved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to a vocal clan who eased his passing for themselves and for him by telling stories, laughing and crying together in the manner he had known for all his life. The family?s despair at his loss is now matched by eternal admiration for Bobby?s strength, honor, determination and courage in his five-year fight for life.All who came into contact with him were struck by his positive demeanor, devotion and interest in his family, love of God, disarming charm, and quick wit even through the drug induced fog of medical treatment and pain of disease. Bobby was the kind of fearless but fun Ohio State football fan who would unflinchingly drive his silver and scarlet festooned vehicle through a throng of opposing fans with a radio blasting the Ohio State fight song, a wave of his hand, and a disarming smile that told fellow fans and opponents alike that it was all good natured fun.He was a devoted and caring husband who cherished the love of his life and often told friends and family how much he was grateful to God for bringing her to his side when he was in need of a friend, companion, lover and soul mate.He was a witty, colorful scamp who relished opportunities to tease and cajole the children and young people in his life and, in so doing, became each one?s life-long friend, mentor and unwavering supporter. He was genuinely interested in every child in his family and circle of friendships, and each one?s hobby, sport, schoolwork, or special interest.To his sisters, he was a curious source of loving torment, unpredictable behavior and dogged protectiveness. He taught his sisters to fight when necessary, to be proud of their family, to pursue every God-given opportunity for happiness and to live life to the fullest.Bobby was the strong-willed fun-loving son who became the strong-willed, family-loving dependable son for his admiring parents. He never missed an opportunity to help his parents through their sicknesses as well as in their joy. He loved long sports and life talks with his Father, Bob, in the sunshine of the homestead?s back yard and the hand-made pies and meals prepared with love by Mother Helen.He was an outdoorsman, athlete, coach and animal-lover with a talent for training dogs to hunt, obey and even to ?give hugs.? His devoted dogs Missy, Jack and Sammie seldom left his side and were with him at his passing.In 1994, Bobby, who was an above-average amateur softball player, was forced by bad knees to take up the mantle of coach of his softball team and proceeded to lead them to a coveted national championship in final games played on a national stage in the State of Florida. He followed high school and college football with a passion and knew the stars of every high school football team from Columbus to Bellaire, and demonstrated that knowledge in spirited conversations with friends and in-laws.Bobby was a graduate of Union Local High School, a veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired truck driver. He was a member of the Zanesville Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise (Bowman) Carpenter; his grandparents, Thomas A. (Pap) and Mary Emma McGary and Charles and Cora Bowman and an infant brother.He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Kim (Adams) Carpenter of Dresden; a daughter, Sheri Lynn (Mark) Gossett of Belmont, Ohio; grandchildren Nathan, Allison, Graylan Gossett; parents Robert and Helen Carpenter of Holloway; sisters Rachel Gongola of Columbus, Cindy (Gerry) Griffith of Wheeling, WV, Joyce (Shad) Fromhart of Moundsville, WV, and Mary Kay (Kevin) Roseberry of Shadyside, OH; father and mother in law, Weldon and Peg Adams of Dresden; sister and brother in law, Terri and Dave DeVault of Dresden; brother and sister in law, Warren and Sharon Adams of Heath, Ohio; nieces, Brianne, Bailey and Bella Roseberry of Shadyside, OH, Heather Weidenhammer of Columbus, Ashley and Jamie DeVault of Dresden, Amanda Adams; nephews, Travis W. Norris of Moon Township, PA, Blake Roseberry of Shadyside, OH, Josh and Jacob Fromhart of Moundsville, WV, Eric Gongola of Columbus, Robbie Gongola of Ashland, Ohio and Conor Griffith of Wheeling, WV, Aric and Austin Adams of Heath and four great nieces and nephews.Friends may call 3-8PM Thursday September 11, 2008 at the Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home in Dresden, where services will be held at 2PM Friday with Rev. Kevin Roseberry and Pastor James Ross officiating. Burial will follow in Hamilton Valley Cemetery near his home.Memorial contributions may be made to assist the family, c/o Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home, P.O. Box 101, Dresden, OH 43821.