Jeff Bryant Carpenter

Jefferson Bryant Carpenter, of Owensboro, passed away at his home on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Jeff was born to the late John Albert and Jean Bryant Carpenter. A devoted son, he enjoyed daily lunches with his mother and shared many years of Rotary lunches and Saturday morning golf games with his father and brothers.

A gifted athlete, Jeff was drafted by the New York Yankees out of high school in 1968 but chose to attend the University of Alabama on a full baseball scholarship. He was the first freshman inducted into the prestigious “A Club,” the university’s highest athletic honor at that time. Following college, Jeff returned to Owensboro to join the family business, Bryant Distributing, where he served as president and successfully expanded the company statewide. His passion for baseball continued as he coached local Little League teams, leading one to the World Championship games.

Jeff was also an avid golfer and enjoyed annual trips with the Calloway Golf Group. Highlights of his golfing experiences included playing Augusta National, Turnberry Scotland, Pebble Beach, and attending Ryder Cup matches in Spain and England.

Dedicated to his community, Jeff gave generously of his time and talents. He served on the boards of the Family Y, Owensboro Country Club, and the Campbell Club. He was a 40-year member of the Truist Bank Board, served for 15 years on the Owensboro Community and Technical College Board of Directors, with 10 of those years as chair. Dr. Scott Williams, president of the college, commented, “Jeff had genuine enthusiasm for the OCTC graduates and especially the GED graduates. His pride in students’ accomplishments was evident to all who witnessed his participation. Jeff’s visionary leadership helped transform educational opportunities in the region and created lasting foundations for future growth.”

Jeff also served on the Owensboro Health Board of Directors, where he chaired the board for five years. Greg Strahan, former president and CEO of Owensboro Health, said, “Jeff was instrumental in expanding the hospital into a regional health system. To me, he was a personal friend, mentor, and significant support as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. His steadfast support cannot be overstated.”

Jeff’s greatest joy was his family, especially the four granddaughters. He greeted them with, “Tell me all about your day,” and always encouraged them with the words, “I am proud of you.” His unconditional love will remain his lasting legacy.

A lifelong member of St. Stephen Cathedral, Jeff’s Catholic faith guided his life. He prayed daily, never missed weekly Mass, and lived with quiet humility.

For more than 30 years, Jeff and his wife, Marcia Kuegel Carpenter, shared a blended family. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; their children, Jefferson Bryant Carpenter II, Caroline Harralson (Joe) Ruschell, and their daughters Charlotte and Susannah, and John Kuegel (Katie) Harralson and their daughters Evelyn and Cora. Also surviving is Mihails (Elena) Hasikovs of Moscow, Russia, who became part of the family as an exchange student along with their daughter, Vasilisa.

In addition, Jeff is survived by his brother, John Albert (Sherry) Carpenter, and their children Jeannie Carpenter, Ginger (Brent) Williams, and Joy (Jonathan) Carroll; his sister-in-law, Susan Carpenter, wife of the late Jim Carpenter, along with their children Jim (Alicia), Chris (Alexandra), and Clay (Courtney). He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rod (Lois) Kuegel, and their children, Luke (Samantha) and Clay (Kelsey).

Services will be at 12:00 pm at St. Stephen Cathedral on Friday, October 3, with Father John Vaughan officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 on Thursday, October 2, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be at Owensboro Memorial Gardens following the service.

If you wish to give in Jeff’s memory, please consider Owensboro Health Foundation at 2211 Mayfair Avenue, #403, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 or Owensboro Community and Technical College Foundation at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303.

Messages and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com.