Carl Edmond McCarthy

Carl Edmond McCarthy was born in Jacksonville, Illinois on January 23, 1926 to Jesse and Isabel McCarthy. He grew up in a large family and worked on a farm until, at the age of 16, he enlisted in the United States Army/Airforce. With the US in the midst of WWII, he began active service immediately, serving in battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.

After serving overseas, Carl returned to his native Illinois, married and had two children. Adventurous in spirit and fun loving, the world was Carl’s playground. At age 14, he learned to fly airplanes through a friend who owned a crop-dusting business. Whether by land, air or sea, Carl enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. During his adult life, he lived in many places throughout the US while working in commercial construction. Carl was also an accomplished craftsman, creating objects of beauty from woodworking to glass etchings to leatherwork.

Carl was known for his warmth, charm and quick wit. The definition of Irish Diplomacy, “The art of telling someone to go to hell and have them looking forward to the trip,” well-described Carl’s decidedly Irish wit. His penchant for language, engaging sense of humor and affinity for pranks kept friends and family on their toes.

Carl was a sportsman who enjoyed all things outdoors that required skill—from big game hunting to fishing to archery to riflery. He also had a love affair with classic cars, appreciating their art form and always standing ready for a good road trip. And if there were children in any venue, one could surely find them amongst laughter and squeals of delight as they rolled around with their “fun uncle.”

Our May 17, 2016 loss is heaven’s gain. Be prepared for thunder.