Lawrence Carmer

Surrounded by family, Lawrence (Larry) Green Carmer Sr, 83, of Macon, Missouri, passed peacefully at home Saturday evening, December 21, 2019. Larry was born November 3, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Craig, and his father, Vern Carmer. Larry is survived by his brother, David Carmer (Carol), and his five children, Lawrence (Larry) Carmer Jr., Bradley Carmer, Melanie (Fred) Holubik, Randell Carmer and Allison (Bill) Willis. Grandpa Larry was blessed with 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. At the age of 17, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His first duty station was Eilson Air Force base, 26 miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. He was adamant that after arriving on Thanksgiving day, 1954, at -40 degrees, he was going to do his time and get out. He stayed In Alaska until 1990, 36 years. While stationed in Fairbanks, Larry met and married Muriel Hagberg, and together raised five children. Larry had many passioned adventures in life. One of them was his love of flying. And after completing his pilot training once out of the Air Force, Larry flew fuel oil out to remote villages and sites in northern Alaska. He also flew for Alaska Airlines for a short time. Larry later pursued and found his lifelong career in real estate appraising, joining Alaska Valuation Services in the early 1970’s. For close to thirty years, Larry combined his love of travel and appraisal, flying far and wide throughout western Alaska. In 1990, Larry left Alaska for the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, where he started an appraisal firm with partner Jeanne Wells, in the town of Sequim. It was in 1997, Larry underwent a life changing event with a heart transplant. For the following 22 years he lived life to the fullest. With his new lease on life he loved spending time with his grandkids and they loved their motorcycle Grandpa. Larry even shared his love of motorcycles with his mother who would ride with him every chance she could. He dedicated time to ride with his son, Larry Jr, as long time members of the Patriot Guard Riders, honoring the life and service of those who served our country. Larry would often travel to Seattle and Raytown to spend time with family. Larry throughout his life never gave up living a life filled with adventure. He decided, in his 70’s, to get his CDL license, and began transporting new RV units from Elkhart Indiana, to Anchorage, Alaska for 10 years. Several trips were made with his sons and daughter. He had a passion for life, evident in the way he lived, always trying new things, exploring and not sitting still for long. He taught us many lessons, to never give up even if the odds are against you, keep pursuing your passions and saying along the way, “you may have to get old but you don’t have to act it!” He was our hero, sharing the miracle of life in the way he lived. Dad, thank you for your unconditional love and lessons in life. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020, 1:00 p.m at the Community of Christ Church in Bevier, MO, followed by a graveside service at the Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. At a future date ashes will also be placed next to his mother in Urbanrale, IA.