Remembering Joel Carpenter: Our Community’s Photographer and Historian

Remembering Joel Carpenter: West Valley City’s Lens on History

Joel LeVern Carpenter (1935 – 2013) was a man whose life captured both service and beauty. In a city as large and vibrant as West Valley City—the second-largest city in Utah—Joel played a quiet yet monumental role in preserving our community’s story. With a camera in hand, he documented countless events, creating a rich visual record of local life that might otherwise have been lost.

Born in Evanston, Wyoming, the youngest of twelve children, Joel graduated from Evanston High School in 1953. He dedicated his life to service, first through a mission in the Hawaiian Islands from 1955–1957, then by enlisting in the Air Force from 1958–1962. Stationed across the United States and the Pacific, Joel served honorably before embarking on a 34-year career in federal Civil Service, including time at the Tooele Army Depot and the Defense Logistics Agency. His devotion earned him a distinguished service award and reflected his deep love for his country.

Joel’s passion extended beyond service. He was an artist at heart, skilled in leathercraft, woodworking, and photography. His love of music, art, literature, and travel enriched both his life and the lives of those around him. But it was his photography that left an indelible mark on West Valley City. Joel’s lens captured the community in its everyday moments and its landmark events, preserving a visual history for generations to come.

With no dedicated historical museum in the city, these photographs are a priceless treasure. Thanks to the efforts of Vaughn Rhodes, a California native who lovingly scanned and shared Joel’s collection, these images can now be enjoyed by residents, historians, and future generations. Each photo tells a story, documenting the heart and soul of a community through the eyes of a man who cared deeply about preserving its memory.

Joel Carpenter’s life reminds us that history is not just dates and buildings—it’s the people, the moments, and the care taken to remember them. Through his camera, his talent, and his dedication, Joel ensured that West Valley City’s story continues to be told.

We owe a heartfelt thank you to Joel for his vision and to Vaughn Rhodes for making these historical treasures accessible to all. The gift of their work allows the community to celebrate, remember, and learn from its past—chapter by chapter, photo by photo.