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BORN
1920
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Carl Kimmons Obituary
He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on April 10, 1920. He was a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Assignments during service included the USS McFarland (AVD-14), USS Plunger (SS-179), USS Scott (DE-214), USS Parche (SS-384), USS Cobbler (SS-344), USS Medregal (SS-480), USS Sea Robin (SS-407), Submarine Squadron 10, U.S. Naval Station, San Juan, P.R., Navy Hydrographic Office, Washington, D.C., Naval Submarine School, Submarine Development Group Two, and the Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory.
Carl was the first person who had enlisted as a mess attendant to serve in every enlisted pay grade from E1 through E9 to receive a commission. After retirement as a lieutenant from the Navy, he graduated from Connecticut College with a bachelor of science degree (magnum cum laude), from the University of Connecticut with an MA degree, and received a Sixth Year Certificate from Southern Connecticut State University. He was a social studies teacher in the Waterford school system for 22 years.
He was a volunteer for the AARP Driver Safety Program, the Retired Activities Office at the Submarine Base, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, and was an instructor in the YMCA Lifeline Exercise Program. In addition, he served as a commissioner for Waterford Senior Services. He earned a private airplane pilot license in 1965.
On July 28, 1943, he was united in marriage to Thelma Jean Lewis, who survives him.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Karen T. West and Kim Kimmons and her husband, George Mauger; daughter-in-law, Alison Kimmons; grandson, Justin Kimmons and his wife, Michelle Blau, and daughter, Losi Kimmons.
He was predeceased by his son, Larry Kimmons.
Funeral service and interment with military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.
Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carl Kimmons
Sponsored by Byles Memorial Home - New London.
Christina Ingram
July 23, 2024
Mr Kimmons was my all time favorite teacher. Not only did he teach in a way that helped me learn and remember, but he restored my confidence. I am now a paraprofessional in South Texas. Thank you, Mr. Kimmons for being awesome!
Christina Ingram
CHRISTINE WAHL
August 3, 2019
This man had such a huge impact on myself as well as my classmates in both Junior high school and High school. He was able to have discipline and kindness meshed together with students who were already going through such an awkward time like nobody I have seen. A real inspiring leader. I wanted to do well for him because I knew he cared about me as an individual. One of those people that touch your life permanently. I loved Mr. Kimmons!
August 29, 2016
Mr.Kimmoms was my AARP Safe Driving Course instructor twice when I took it with my parents, and then once when I took the course with my husband. He was a wonderful teacher, patient and smart and very funny at times. He inspired me in many ways and to this day I can hear his voice in my head reminding me to "save a space cushion" between the car in front of me and my car, re: pedestrians who shouldn't be crossing - - - "You can't hit him!!" and also as you come up the approach to a highway - "pick your spot and take it." I am a better, safer driver on these crazy roads thanks to Mr. Kimmons. I am grateful to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to his beloved family.
Aimee (Cluff) Murray
August 18, 2016
It is with great fondness I remember Mr. Kimmons. To this day, I can't hear Ray Charles sing "America the Beautiful" without thinking of Mr. Kimmons. Everytime we had a quiz, he pulled out his tv/vcr cart and said"Books off your desk, no reckless eyeballing, it is fun time!!!" With as much enthusiasm each and every time. What a wonderful teacher to have had during my years at Waterford High School. God speed Mr. Kimmons.
Peter Smith
August 12, 2016
RIP Shipmate.
Pete Smith
$$ 350
SSB N 643
Terri Johnson-Panico
August 10, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Kimmons family. I have the fondest memories of Mr. Kimmons from my days at Waterford High School. What an amazingly, profound person. I learned so much.
Linda Provencher
August 10, 2016
He is one of the few teachers who I remember with fondness. My father was also on the Sea Robin!
August 10, 2016
my dad william e humphreys was on sea robin....rest in peace to a gallant gentleman.....
Joe Macrino
August 10, 2016
A legend, a gentleman, and a scholar who truly cared about his students.
Amy Stuchell
August 10, 2016
Who doesn't remember the shout of "MAN WITH A BABY" as Mr. Kimmons pushed a cart that held a TV and VCR through the busy hallways of WHS? Or perhaps you were the kid caught running down the hall and Mr. Kimmons would stop you and make you walk all the way back to where you came from. Then there was US History Junior Year. The best class ever...and most memorable. Can still remember the row and seat I sat in and who was in the class and that was 29 years ago. Loved his shouting. Makes me smile.
Thanks Mr. K...my thoughts are with your family.
Robin Miller
August 9, 2016
I have thought about Mr.Kimmons many times over the years. being in his classroom was my favorite time of each day...sending prayers to his family
Nick Nichols
August 9, 2016
To the Kimmons Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Carl's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. All SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Carl will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin, a member of our Greatest Generation, and a great Patriot.
YNCMM(SS)/LT Carl Eugene Kimmons
US Navy WWII Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain
Carole Martin
August 9, 2016
I have fond memories of him at Wafterford High School. Sorry for your loss.
Denise Gonyo
August 9, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Carl and I had some great memories at the Front Desk at L+M Hospital years ago. RIP my ol' friend.
Don Werling
August 9, 2016
Remembered and missed, Carl was an inspiring shipmate.
Condolences to his family.
Don Werling
Memorial Service at SUBVETS WWII Memorial
John Carcioppolo
August 9, 2016
To Carl's family my sincere condolences on your loss. Carl was a good man and an American Hero. He always had a smile and I enjoyed the few times we had to meet as part of the SUBVETS Events and I am honored that he considered me a friend.There is a port of no return where ships may lie at anchor for a little space.And then some starless night the cable slips leaving only an eddy at the mooring place. Gulls veer no longer, Sailor Rest Your Oar. No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore.Hand Salute.Lt Kimmons Rest Your Oar.Ready Two.RespectfullyJohn CarcioppoloPast Base CommanderU.S. SUBVETS Groton Base
August 9, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Thelma and family.
An awesome man and an awesome family as well. Your loss is our loss too. Sending my love.
Betty Travisano
Randy Collins
August 9, 2016
Carl was one of the greats. He served his country in the two area that out democracy depends on: the military and an educated citizenry. It was my pleasure to know him and to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time.
August 9, 2016
Carl was my first supervisor, when I first went aboard the Sea Robin. What a kind and gentle man, I'll never forget him. I remember some of his antics, to this day. R.I.P. Carl. God has you at his right hand now. God bless your family, and keep them safe.
Christine Wahl
August 9, 2016
He was t"hat one teacher that reaches and inspires". He had the perfect balance of making you feel like you mattered and being firm and setting boundaries. I adored him and do not know a student in Waterford CT who will not share in my memories. THANK YOU MR. KIMMONS, you had such a positive impact on so many lives.
Mark Cassidy
August 9, 2016
Absolutely would have loved to hear the history of his Navy career in class. Nothing like that could come from a book, and a lesson that could not be forgotten. BZ
August 9, 2016
Mr Kimmons was the best History teacher that I had. When thinking back to my High School years he is one of the first teachers that come to mind. Memories of him always bring a smile. One forgets much that they learned, but I have remembered so much from his class.
He always made a difference and could bring a smile to your day. Deepest condolences to your family.
Kim Hoffman
August 9, 2016
Mr Kimmons was one of my teachers at WHS and was such an awesome and kind teacher and gentleman. I remember at the end of his class we would all wait for someone to stand up before HE dismissed us, just so we could hear him sternly say: The bell is merely an indication to the TEACHER that time has expired. I dismiss my class... Then he would crack a smile and say: HAVE A NICE DAY!!!
Jodi Dwyer
August 9, 2016
Best History teacher ever! May your hearts remember his wonderful life and may smiles find their way to his families faces in good time.
Elayne Peterson
August 9, 2016
Mr.Kimmons was a great man that made a positive difference in so many lives at WHS. Rest in peace.
Richard Morton
August 9, 2016
He was a great guy, he was a awesome teacher!! He will be missed!!
Michael Graner
August 9, 2016
Dear Kimmons Family:
I am so sorry to learn of your loss; Carl and I worked together for many years at Waterford High when I served as the high school principal in the 1980's and 1990's. Carl was a talented and dedicated teacher to whom I often turned for advice. I knew about and respected his distinguished military career, and I admired his educational career following his degree work at Conn College. Carl was one of the most influential persons in my life because he continually encouraged me to work hard and strive for professional achievements in my educational work and Coast Guard career.
After his retirement and after I left Waterford High, Carl continued to send me notes of encouragement. I have kept all those notes, and I treasure them as a memento from a cherish mentor.
Carl will remain in my thoughts and prayers; he was an inspirational person who will never be forgotten by admirers like me.
Sincerely,
Mike Graner
Superintendent of Schools
Groton Public Schools
Dick Gruskin
August 9, 2016
Dear Thelma,
In my 83 years on earth, I've written few letters such as this; I wish my sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of one of the most memorable and iconic persons I have ever met. We met at the YMCA. Our "locker-room" conversations were priceless when he let his hair and guard down and related many incredible stories of his full, fecund lifetime. I felt like a puppy dog as my life's pedestrian affairs compared to his. Nor will I ever forget his yearly sweet serenades to me on my birthdays. He has "crossed the bar" where I am sure he will see his "Pilot" face to face.
Sincerely,
Dick Gruskin
Dick Gruskin
August 9, 2016
Dear Thelma,
In my 83 years on earth, I've written few letters such as this; I send my sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of one of the most memorable and iconic persons I have ever met. We met at the YMCA. Our "locker room" conversations were priceless when he let his hair down and related many incredible stories of his full fecund lifetime. I felt like a puppy dog as my life's pedestrian affairs compared to his. Nor will I ever forget his sweet yearly serenades to me on my birthdays. He has "crossed the bar" where I am sure he will see his "Pilot" face to face.
Sincerely,
Dick Gruskin
Charlotte, Yvonne & Beverly Mosley
August 9, 2016
A true gentle soul that will be missed by all who knew him. He had a great love for life and was an extremely gracious person. He will always be remembered. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Katie Sullivan
August 9, 2016
It is with sadness, I read about the passing of Mr. Kimmons. But as I began to reminisce about having him as a teacher at Waterford High School, I couldn't help but smile. I was petrified to have been assigned to him as he had such a loud stern voice, but once I had one day in his class he quickly became my favorite teacher. Such a wonderful teacher and person. Even years after graduating whenever I ran into Mr. Kimmons he always remembered me and greeted me in the same fashion. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Pam Livingston
August 9, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Kimmons family.
Mr. Kimmons was a true gentleman. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Kimmons whom was a volunteer at the front desk at Lawrence and Memorial hospital. . His kindness and smile greeted patients and visitors and made your day better in every way. A wonderful man whom will truly be missed.
Thank you Mr. Kimmons for being such a great role model and sweet man.
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