Lawrence Carman

Lawrence Richard Carman was born on August 15, 1948, in Pittsburg, California, the eldest son of Perry and Margaret Oman Carman. He grew up in the small farming town of Dinuba, California, where he often talked about his fond memories with his younger brother Arlie and their close-knit group of friends.

Larry was a proud veteran who devoted much of his life to serving his country. He was first drafted into the United States Marine Corps, serving two years before enlisting in the Navy. He would go on to retire after 20 years of honorable active-duty service. His years in the military reflected his steadfast character, discipline and strength.

After retiring from the Navy, Larry moved his family to Clarksville, Tennessee. He continued his dedication to service by pursuing higher education. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Austin Peay State University and went on to complete his Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Alabama. With compassion and quiet strength, he continued to care for those who served, working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky until his second retirement.

While serving in the Navy, Larry met the love of his life, Adelaida “Zeny” Carman. Their deep and lasting bond led to 38 years of loving marriage. Together, they built a life filled with commitment and shared joy. During their marriage, Zeny’s son Greg became part of the Carman family, a bond Larry embraced fully and proudly.

Larry was the best storyteller. Whether it was wild tales from his Navy days or the mischief he and his brother Arlie used to get into, he had a way of pulling everyone in with his words. His stories could make you laugh, reflect, or scratch your head, especially when he somehow made medical terms like borborygmi entertaining.

He loved life deeply and lived it fully. Well into his 70s, he was still riding rollercoasters with us, grinning like a kid. You could often find him barefoot, lounging with a book, wearing one of his beloved Tommy Bahama shirts—never buttoned, of course.

Larry welcomed everyone into his home with a gentle smile and a heart big enough for all. His and Zeny’s home was a place where you felt instantly at ease, a reflection of the man who filled it with laughter, kindness, and endless stories. Though he has left this world, the legacy of his love, support, and service lives on in the hearts of those he touched.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Adelaida “Zeny” Carman; his son, Greg (Judy) Carman; and his brother, Arlie (Marcie, nephew Tony, and niece Eryn) Carman. He also leaves behind many cousins across the country who will fondly remember his warmth, wit, and devotion to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Margaret Oman Carman. 

A graveside service will be held, Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West with full military honors.