NEWPORT - Don Carpenter, 80, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Togus after a long period of failing health. He was born July 6, 1940 in Cheraw, S.C., a son of Johnnie and Emily (Wilson) Johnson. He grew up in several places around the country as his father served in the Army. Don also served in the U. S. Air Force from 1958 to 1963 where he worked in security. Upon his father's death he returned home to Hampton, VA to help his mother raise his brothers and sisters. He was the oldest of 8 children. He is survived by his life partner and husband of 50 years, Frank Trafton. He is also survived by a brother, Johnnie Johnson; sisters Sandy Batten, Marilyn Ottofarro and husband Lawrence, Gwen Thompson and husband Don, and Karla Yambrick, all of Virginia, and Diane Schultz and husband Michael of FL; many nieces and nephews; and a special family, the Wiecenskis of CT. Don was predeceased by his parents and a brother Tommy Johnson. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport from 4 to 6 P.M. Saturday, October 24th, following CDC guidelines. Face covering and social distancing will be observed. A graveside committal service will be held at 1 P.M. Monday, October 26th, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, National Direct Response Headquarters, P. O. Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020.