Carman was raised on a farm N.E. of Greene, Iowa. He enjoyed helping his father with the crops and general up-keep of the farm. Carman graduated from Greene high school May 1955. He moved to Des Moines in 1984. Carman served in the Navy from March 1957 to January 1961. During his time in the Navy, he took a 4 month course in Electronics in Memphis, spent time in Texas, Jackson, Florida, Cuba Artic Circle. In 2006 he hauled corn and beans to the elevator for a farmer in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Carman retired October 2003 after driving 30 years for Solar Transport.
Carman was united in marriage to Alice Hansen April 5th, 1964. To this union 2 sons and 2 daughters were born. The couple later divorced.
On June 26th, 1993, Carman and Lois Thelma Whisler were married in the West Des Moines Open Bible Church. The song, Lovers For Life was sung at our wedding. That describes us well--we were lovers for life. Carman was a kind, gentle man. I loved him very much and I will never stop missing him. But he's in God's hands and I can rest knowing that.
In spite of battling cancer and COPD , he stayed positive and gained strength in knowing and serving God. Carman loved God, his family and friends. He enjoyed listening to Gospel. Bluegrass and Country Music. He was a member of New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale. He was a good friend to all and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; two sons David (Jacquie) of Thor, IA, Douglas of Holualoa, HI; two daughters, Debra Geis of Duncombe, IA, and Darla(Craig) Graves of West Des Moines, IA; 13 grandchildren, six great grandchildren; two brothers, Leon (Judy) of Plainfield, IA, and Paul of Mason City, IA, one sister, Mary (Sam) McCord, of Cedar Rapids, IA; and several nieces and nephews. Carman was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard.
As Carman's wife, I was thankful to have been able to care for him in our home with the helpful staff of Hospice Care of Iowa. I would like to thank our families for standing by our sides during this difficult time. Thanks to the Pastoral staff at New Hope and for our friends for interceding on our behalf.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322. . Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, IA.
Memorial contributions can be made to New Hope Assembly of God, Kids Camp, 6800 Townsend Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322.
