Obituary of Earl Richard Carman Sr.
Earl Richard Carman Sr., known simply as Earl, passed away on May 28, 2026, in Midland, Michigan, at the age of 68, leaving behind a life that was equal parts hard work, humor, and heart.
Born on August 13, 1957, in Midland, Michigan, Earl grew up with the kind of practical know-how that cannot be taught in a classroom, although Breckenridge High School certainly had the honor of helping shape the man he became. He had a knack for figuring things out, especially if the thing in question had a small engine, a stubborn bolt, or a personality problem. Earl built a life around being useful, dependable, and just clever enough to make difficult jobs look easy, which is a rare gift and one that saved more than a few people from giving up and calling someone else.
Earl spent much of his working life in small engine repair and with Eastman Auto, where he earned a reputation for being the kind of man who could look at a problem, scratch his head, and still somehow know exactly what was wrong. He was handy in the truest sense of the word, the sort of person who could fix a mower, tinker with a machine, or improvise a solution before anyone else had even finished explaining the issue. If something needed attention, Earl was the man you wanted nearby. If something needed patience, Earl had that too, though he may have delivered it with a little dry humor on the side.
Outside of work, Earl enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on lawn mowers, which is a fine combination for a man who appreciated both the quiet outdoors and the satisfaction of making something run again. He found joy in simple things, and he understood that some of the best moments in life happen when you are sitting still long enough to enjoy them. Whether he was out in the woods, near the water, or elbow-deep in a mower that had already surrendered to him, Earl brought the same steady presence and easygoing spirit to everything he did.
Earl was a loving, thoughtful, and handy man, and those words fit him well. He had a way of showing care through action, whether that meant helping someone fix something, offering a practical solution, or simply being there when he was needed. He was the kind of man who could say a lot without making a big speech, and often his best messages came through a repaired engine, a completed task, or a quiet act of kindness. He had a comedian’s timing in everyday life, the sort of humor that could turn an ordinary moment into one worth remembering, and he never seemed to miss a chance to bring a smile to the people around him.
He is survived by his Significant other Sharon; his son, Kevin Carman, Michelle; son, Ben Linton, and Lexy; daughter, Chrissy Linton, and Shane; daughter, Patti Marko, and Alan; Robert Guldi; Anthony Guldi; Kimberly Moler; Lillian Hennie; Shawn Liffey; 18 grandkids; and 7 great-grandkids. Earl also leaves behind a wide circle of family and loved ones who will remember his steady hands, his practical wisdom, and his unmistakable way of making life feel a little more manageable and a little more amusing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Carman; his son, Earl Carman Jr.; his daughter, Amy Carman; his father, George Carman; his mother, Helen Carman; his brother, Richard Hammond; and his sister, Kathy Raines. Though their absence was felt deeply, Earl carried the bonds of family with him throughout his life, and those connections remained an important part of who he was.
Earl Richard Carman Sr. lived a life built on grit, loyalty, and a good sense of what mattered. He will be remembered for his love, his skill, his thoughtfulness, and his ability to keep both machines and people moving in the right direction. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet generosity, and a humor that made even the ordinary parts of life a little brighter.
There will be a memorial service at Floyd church date and time will be shared by family members. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
