Donald Carpenter, age 54, of Mitchell, SD, died Saturday, April 23, 2011, at his home. His body has been cremated. His body has been cremated and his memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Welter Funeral Home. There will be a memorial visitation with family present Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Welter Funeral Home. "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abe Lincoln - Donald R. Carpenter was born on October 4th, 1956 in Huron, South Dakota. He was the eldest child of Richard Carpenter and Ann Sheridan. He has lived in Huron, Mitchell, Omaha, NE, Yankton, and Norfolk, NE. He was the owner/operator and pest technician of Don's Pest Control; he founded and ran the Cornerstone Coffee House and Deli in Mitchell, South Dakota from 2005 until 2010. Don loved hunting for antiques, riding his Harley and he loved all animals, big or small. He is survived by his daughter, Cassandra Ann Aguayo and her husband Chris of Sioux Falls; one grandchild, Alazaia Julane Wels of Sioux Falls; two dogs, Ms. B. and Henry the Boy, and one cat, Lucky; his mother, Ann Sheridan of Huron; and one sister, Deb Hunt of San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Carpenter; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Don Sheridan, and Mr. and Mrs. Roland Carpenter. Don was active in Narcotics Anonymous and was extremely proud of his sixteen years of recovery; he was committed to and took a stand for other people in their recovery process. Don spoke honestly, loved deeply, and lived fully; he was the most giving person any of us has ever known. For those fortunate enough to have truly known and understood him, we appreciate that his gruff exterior was a thin veil to the giant heart inside. He called his mother every day. Don was generous with his time and was always willing to do anything for almost any one. Neither his amazing smell nor his deep, infectious belly laugh will ever be forgotten.