Ernest Carman

PADUCAH, Ky. -- Ernest William "Ernie" Carman, 84, of Paducah, formerly of Charleston died at 7:27 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Center in Paducah.

He was born June 4, 1939, in Charleston to George William "Bill" and Helen Lankheit Carman. He graduated from St. Henry High School in Charleston. He continued his education at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1959. Upon his graduation from pharmacy school, he returned to Charleston. He and Jim Hess proudly owned and operated Carman and Hess Pharmacy. Years later, he and Jim passed down their successful business to Melissa Graham and Gary Simmons. Ernie then provided relief work for pharmacies throughout Southeast Missouri until his retirement. He was always willing to help other pharmacists in need, even with extremely short notice.

Ernie was famous for his quick wit and humor. He loved to offer pearls of wisdom in every situation, such as, "That's the way the mop flops!" and "Common sense is not very common!" He was a proud member of Charleston Coffee Shop Crew and participated daily in "flipping for coffee". He cherished his friends and considered them family.

Ernie was a lifelong member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston. Growing up across the street from St. Henry, he was often called on to serve at daily Mass.

On Oct. 20, 1962, he married Maureen McCarthy Carman, who preceded him in death in 2012.

Ernie is survived by a daughter, Lisa (Dennis) Sanders of Paducah; son, Bill (Lana) Carman of Paducah; seven grandchildren, Catherine (Phil) Pierson, Mollina Carman, Frank (Kyndall) Stallings, Patrick Sanders, Stephen (Tara) Carman, David Carman and Troy Carman; four great-grandsons, Bastien Kwassivi, Benjamin Pierson, William Pierson and Benjamin Carman; brother, David (Georgie) Carman of Kelso; and sister-in-law, Barbara Carman of Charleston.

Ernie was also preceded in death by his brother, Joe Carman, and son-in-law, Jeff Stallings.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am. Monday, April 29, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 5645 Blandville Road in Paducah.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, at the church, with the Rev. Basilio Az Cuc of Paducah as celebrant.

Committal graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Texas Bend Cemetery near Charleston.

Pallbearers will be Frank Stallings, Phil Pierson, Patrick Sanders, Robert Carman, John Carman, Stephen Carman, David Carman Troy Carman and Keven Rennegarbe.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Lakes of Paducah and his special caregivers, who provided loving support and friendship.

All funeral arrangements will be under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston