Thomas F Carman

Thomas F Carman, age 72, Bismarck, died on October 17, 2014 at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, December 28, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, December 29, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Tom was born January 18, 1942 at Valley City ND, the son of Thomas F Carman and Margaret McClure. His parents were divorced and he was raised in Wahpeton by his maternal uncle and aunt, E.G. "Mac" and Lillian McClure. During his youth, he was active in wrestling and football at Wahpeton HS. He worked at the Wahpeton swimming pool from age 14 through college as a lifeguard, swimming instructor and swim team coach, and continued swimming until shortly before his death. He attended ND State College of Science and joined the US Naval Reserve, serving his active duty as a hospital corpsman. After graduation from Mankato State University, he accepted a position with the Boy Scouts of America as a District Scout Executive in Williston, ND. He married Linda Schatz on December 24, 1967. In 1972 he moved to Wisconsin and worked as a Regional Director for the Wisconsin Association for Retarded Citizens, residing in Eau Claire and DeForest, WI. A son, Michael was born in Eau Claire. In 1980 the family moved to Bismarck where he served as Project Director for Golden Age Services in Mandan. He was active in the Mandan Kiwanis Club, serving one year as President. He later worked at Medcenter One in recreational therapy. After an early retirement due to health issues, he worked part time for many years at the Bismarck Civic Center. Tom was active for over 15 years as a Scouting volunteer in Bismarck, serving in various positions with Troop 123 including Scoutmaster. He worked closely with boys seeking their advancement to Eagle rank and attended many summer camps with the troop. He also attended Wood Badge leadership training and served several years on Wood Badge staff. He received the District Award of Merit in 1998, and the Council Silver Beaver award in 2001. Tom thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and providing service to others during his career. He kept in touch with many old friends and classmates from high school and college, former co-workers, extended family, Scouters, and former Boy Scouts. He had a prodigious memory of and fondness for them all. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda, one son, Michael Becky and grandson Luke of Cedar Rapids, IA. Memorials are requested to the Wood Badge program of the Frontier Trails District, Boy Scouts of America.

Thomas F Carman

January 18, 1942 - October 17, 2014