David Charles "Dave" Carmer

David (Dave) Charles Carmer, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at Centerpoint Hospital.

Dave was born November 9, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Thelma Pearl Green (Carmer). His father, Verne Carmer, passed away before Dave was born. For a time, it was just him, his mother, and his older brother Lawrence. The two young boys were lovingly raised by Thelma, their grandparents who lived next door, and the caring community that surrounded them. During Dave's early teen years, Thelma married Arthur Williams, a devoted husband and father, and the family grew with the addition of two more sons, Dean and Wayne.

After graduating high school, Dave attended Graceland College (now University), where he earned his associate degree and left Lamoni with his greatest treasure - his bride, Carol. They were married on December 29, 1959, and shared 65 joyful years of marriage.

They began their life together in Riverside, California, where their two children, Julie and Joel, were born. The family later moved to Anchorage, Alaska for a summer while Dave considered a banking opportunity. After memorable experiences - including swimming when the daytime high was 55 degrees and discovering that summer nights never truly grow dark - they wisely decided to return south before experiencing an Alaskan winter. After a brief return to Riverside, Dave chose to continue his education. The family moved back to Des Moines, where he earned his business degree from Drake University. They eventually settled in Raytown, Missouri, where they put down lasting roots.

Dave was never afraid of hard work in providing for his family. He was best known for his years at Plaza Savings and Loan, though he would say his most satisfying job was serving as locker room security for the Kansas City Royals, where he had the joy of being part of their 2015 World Series Championship. That role allowed him to combine his love of work with his love for people.

Those who knew Dave remember a man who loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved others deeply. He was an ordained Elder in the Raytown Community of Christ Church. His greatest ministry was prayer. He was rarely without his consecrated anointing oil, and anyone in need of intercessory prayer would receive a gentle dab of oil, loving hands placed upon their head, and a heartfelt, often tearful prayer. As a lifelong member of the banking community, he also modeled and taught faithful stewardship. He often said that all we have - our time, talents, and treasures - come from the Lord, and we honor God in how we use them.

Because his priorities were always faith, work, and family, Dave rarely pursued hobbies that pulled him away from those callings. Instead, he became an expert at hitting pop flies and ground balls, making homemade vanilla ice cream, and playing fiercely competitive family games of croquet and badminton. He was also an enthusiastic family historian. What began with carefully staged still photographs - complete with a raised finger to help focus the lens - evolved into a camcorder that became a constant companion at family gatherings, choir concerts, and athletic events. He kept decades of journals, meticulously recording daily weather, world events, and family milestones both large and small. Details mattered to Dave. He loved documenting them, and even more, he loved sharing them. Conversations with him often felt like interviews - not from interrogation, but from sincere care and curiosity about the lives of others.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother; his fathers, Verne Carmer and Arthur Williams; his brothers Lawrence and Dean; and most importantly, his beloved Dearie, Carol Ann.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Wishy and her husband Michael; his son Joel Carmer and his wife Valorie; his grandchildren Andrew and his wife Shawna, Hana and her husband Wesley, Taylor, and Lauren; and his four great-grandchildren Ramsey, Chapman, Mackinley, and Violet; and nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Dave and Uncle Taco.

Dad/Grandpa/Dave, we love you deeply and are grateful for the legacy of faith and love you leave behind. Your presence will be greatly missed, but your example will continue to guide us.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. Details have not been established at this time. Thank you for your prayers, love, care, and support.