Clarence Daniel Carpenter, III, 73, of La Plata, MD passed away on November 3, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. 

Born November 16, 1944 in La Plata, MD.  He was the son of the late Clarence Jr. and Lucille Carpenter. 

He was preceded in death by his infant son Keith D. Carpenter, 1975.  He is survived by his devoted wife Donna of 53 years, and daughter Karen (John) Shifflett of Faulkner, MD, sisters Lucy Clements (Steve) of La Plata, MD and Nancy Taylor (Doug) of Indian Head, MD, and 10 nieces and nephews. 

Dan was a graduate of Lackey High School Class of 1964.  He was a Cartographer for the U. S. Department of Defense for 32 years.

Dan’s first passion as a young man was hunting, fishing and taxidermy work.  After the death of a boyhood friend from a boating accident, Danny joined the Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc.  The life long passion began there and continued until his death.  He was dedicated to the Charles County Firemen’s Association and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. 

This dedication included:

President, SMVFA, 1988

1992, Thomas W. Wright Memorial Award for “Fireman of the Year”

1992, Recognized by CC Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Service provided to the CC Community

1994, Honorary Hospice Volunteer

Charles County Point System Coordinator (LOSAP)

MSFA Standards Committee Member

MSFA Hall of Fame

SMVFA Hall of Fame

Past MSFA Executive Committee Chairman

PHVFD&RS, Inc.:   

Life Member

Past Chief

            Past President

Past Board of Directors

            Past Rescue Squad Captain

            LOSAP Officer

            Instrumental in planning the Firehouse Museum and Memorial

Maryland State Fireman’s Association Offices:

1989 Hall of Fame

1987 – 1991 - Transportation Member

1988 – 1993 - Historical & Archives Chair

1992 – 1996 - Transportation Vice Chair

1996 – 1997 - Transportation Member

1993 – 1995 - Historical & Archives Vice Chair

1995 – 1999 - Historical & Archives Member

1994 – 1995 - Board of Review

1994 – 1996 - Special Activities Chair

1996 – 2003 - Special Activities Member

1995 – 1996 - Executive Committee

1996 – 1997 - Executive Committee Vice Chair

1997 – 1998 - Executive Committee Chair

1999 – 2001 - Board of Review

2003 – 2007 - Special Activities Vice Chair

2006 – 2009 - Board of Trustee Member

2005 – 2008 - Hall of Fame Member

2008 – Present - Hall of Fame Chair

2010 – 2013 - Board of Trustees Vice Chair

2013 – Present - Board of Trustees Chair

Marbury Gates Award Chair

Program Book Committee   

Viewing for family and friends will be on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with Firemen’s prayers at 7 PM, at the Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. 

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Star of The Sea Catholic Church, Indian Head, MD.  Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., 73 Glymont Road, Indian Head, MD 20640, Hospice of Charles County, 2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD  20603, St. Catherine Catholic Church, P.O. Box 278, Port Tobacco, MD  20677 and St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, MD  20640.