Waterford, Connecticut
Apr 10, 1920 – Aug 4, 2016 (Age 96)
Waterford - Carl E. Kimmons, 96, of Waterford, beloved husband of Thelma Jean Kimmons, died on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016.
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.
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
Christina Ingram
July 23, 2024
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!
CHRISTINE WAHL
August 03, 2019 | Stuart, FL
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...
August 29, 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.
Aimee (Cluff) Murray
August 18, 2016 | Hudson Falls, NY
RIP Shipmate.
Pete Smith
$$ 350
SSB N 643
Peter Smith
August 12, 2016 | Winchester, VA
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.
Terri Johnson-Panico
August 10, 2016 | Groton, CT
He is one of the few teachers who I remember with fondness. My father was also on the Sea Robin!
Linda Provencher
August 10, 2016 | Warerford, CT
my dad william e humphreys was on sea robin....rest in peace to a gallant gentleman.....
August 10, 2016
A legend, a gentleman, and a scholar who truly cared about his students.
Joe Macrino
August 10, 2016
