Franklin Dean Carpenter

Seminole resident Franklin Dean "Frank" Carpenter, 78, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

Frank was born November 9, 1947, in the Riverbend community south of Konawa. He attended elementary school in Konawa before transferring to Vamoosa Public Schools, where he graduated in 1966. A gifted athlete, Frank excelled in both basketball and baseball during his high school years. During his junior year the basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the Class C state tournament, and he showed tremendous promise as a baseball pitcher before a career-ending arm injury prevented him from pursuing the sport at the collegiate level.

Following high school, Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant during his four years of military service. After returning home, Frank attended East Central University in Ada, where he earned a degree in education. On January 5, 1973, Frank married the love of his life, Betty Sue Franks, in Konawa. Together they shared 53 years of love, partnership, and adventure. While completing his student teaching at Byng High School, he realized that teaching was not the career path he wanted to pursue. Instead, he found his calling in Oklahoma's oil industry, where he spent the remainder of his professional career. He logged countless miles checking oil wells with his faithful pumping partners—his beloved dogs, BeBe and Missy.

Retirement gave Frank and Sue the opportunity to pursue one of their greatest shared passions—travel. Together they explored all 48 contiguous states, making countless memories from the seat of their pickup truck. After completing their cross-country adventures, Frank found just as much joy traveling closer to home, taking his grandchildren to Denny's, attending their sporting events, and exploring Oklahoma in search of the next great barbecue or catfish restaurant. Around Seminole, Frank was affectionately known as the "M&M Man." Rarely without a supply of M&Ms, he delighted in handing out candy to children throughout the community. Many local kids knew they could count on Frank for a smile and a bag of M&Ms, and he found genuine joy in those simple acts of kindness. Frank also enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Fox Business, cheering for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and following just about any sporting event on television. He was a proud member of the Seminole Masonic Lodge, where he attained the rank of 32nd Degree Mason, and he was a faithful member of Vamoosa Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cotton and Wanda Williams; his daughter, Patricia Carpenter; and his brother, Freddie Carpenter.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Sue Carpenter, of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Kerri and Jason Cheatwood of Shawnee; his grandchildren, Marissa Cheatwood and partner David Mejia of Oklahoma City, Rayanna McDonald and husband Chris of Cedar City, Utah, and Kason Cheatwood of Shawnee; along with many other beloved family members and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Little Cemetery in Seminole, with Larry Vickers officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.