Carl Edwin Ikard

Carl was born on April 24, 1938, in Vernon, Texas, and spent most of his early years in Farmington, New Mexico. At Farmington High School, he formed friendships that would last a lifetime and excelled in basketball, baseball, football, and golf. He earned All American honors in basketball and baseball and a scholarship to Amarillo Junior College. He also served in the Army Reserve, completing his military service with an honorable discharge.

Carl worked a variety of jobs in Farmington before moving to Albuquerque, where, in August 1963, he met Carolyn, the love of his life. They married on March 26, 1965, and moved to Dallas, where Carl enrolled in computer school and began working for General American Oil Company.

Carl’s drive to learn and achieve continued throughout his life. While he and Carolyn were raising their first child, he worked full-time and attended night classes, earning his degree from Southern Methodist University. It was an accomplishment rooted in determination and sacrifice—qualities that would define his career.

As a healthcare administrator, he helped establish Dallas Diagnostics Association and founded a management company to improve clinic operations and efficiency. He concluded his career with Hospital Corporation of America, where he pioneered the consolidation of healthcare records into a centralized digital archive through scanning.

Above all his accomplishments, Carl will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a source of inspiration to those fortunate enough to know him. His love was steady, his friendship genuine, and his thoughtfulness evident in the way he cared for others. He had a gift for maintaining meaningful connections, always making an effort to keep up with old friends and cherishing relationships that had stood the test of time.

Family was at the heart of Carl’s life. He treasured sharing stories of his parents and grandparents with Jim, Melissa, and his grandchildren, passing along the memories, values, and traditions that connected generations. Through these stories, he kept his family’s history alive and gave his loved ones a deeper appreciation for those who came before them. His stories were more than memories; they were gifts of love, identity, and belonging that will be treasured for years to come.

Carl will always be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration. His life made a difference, his presence was a blessing, and his memory will remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved him.

Carl is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Jim (Allison); daughter, Melissa (Alan); and grandchildren, Alexandria, Ryan, Alexandra, Lauren, and Amanda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Olna Ikard.