Carl Fleming

Carl Edward Fleming, 95, a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026. Born on November 27, 1930, in Lakewood, Ohio, Carl lived an abundant life marked by devotion to faith, family, creativity and craftmanship.

Carl was the son of Edward W. Fleming and Irene H. Proctor Fleming. He attended Lakewood High School, graduating in 1949, and was awarded the Louis B. Selzer award for Greater Cleveland's outstanding high school senior in mathematics. Carl continued his education at the College of Wooster, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. A gifted athlete, he played on the Wooster baseball team and served as team captain, a role that reflected his integrity and natural leadership. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1955.

Carl met his wife Mimi while both attending Wooster, and they shared a remarkable marriage of 71 years built on faith and true love. He was a devoted husband and father, always there to celebrate important family events. Carl now rejoins his beloved Mimi, who recently passed away on November 20, 2025. Their heavenly reunion - just in time for Valentine's Day - brings comfort to all who loved them and knew the depth of their lifelong bond.

Carl dedicated his entire professional career, 35 years, to BFGoodrich Chemical Company, where he held a series of positions, from chemical engineer to Plant Manager (Avon Lake), and later as corporate head of quality, and in human resource roles. His friends and colleagues knew him as a tenacious problem-solver, principled leader, exceptional writer, master storyteller, and a man who brought precise detail to every role he held.

Carl's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of Bay Presbyterian Church for 67 years, serving as Deacon, Elder, singing in the choir, and volunteering in the handyman group known as the "contractors" - always ready with a toolbelt, solution and a smile.

Carl had a creative mind and was a master craftsman whose hands were rarely still. He kept busy as a builder, artist, writer and woodworker. Utilizing his many talents, he single-handedly designed and constructed three large additions to the family home in Bay Village. His workshop was a place of both artistry and joy, where he created many pieces that will be cherished by the family for generations. He also loved to travel with wife Mimi, embarking on an international trip every year for more than 25 years. Always dedicated to his children and grandchildren, Carl and Mimi traveled frequently to visit family around the country, forming cherished memories, especially among his four grandchildren.

Carl is survived by children Cherie Kampfer (Tom Kampfer) of San Diego, CA and Gary Fleming (Donna Fleming) of Mentor, OH; grandchildren Kristina Burns of San Diego, CA, Daniel Kampfer of Beaverton, OR, Kevin Kampfer of Chicago, IL and Elena Fleming of Mentor, OH; and cousin and lifelong best friend Tom Thorkelson of Tempe, AZ. They will all deeply miss him. Carl was predeceased by his wife Mary "Mimi" Victoria Fitch Fleming, children Alan and Lynn, parents, and brother Donnie Fleming.

The family will hold a combined memorial service for Carl and Mimi at Bay Presbyterian Church, 25415 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, on June 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Bay Food Pantry, c/o Bay Presbyterian Church, at the same address.