Thomas Carmichael

Thomas "Tom" Frazyer Carmichael passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2025, at the age of 84. A loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, Tom will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and steady presence.

Born in Hillsdale, Michigan, on February 7, 1941, Tom was the eldest of three children of Patricia and William Carmichael, both dedicated educators who instilled in him a lifelong love of learning. Tom's love for swimming began at Camp Eberhart and culminated in helping South Bend Riley High School capture the state championship away from Columbus. He graduated from Riley High School of South Bend in 1959 and went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's from Indiana University where he met the love of his life, Merideth "Merry" Stewart. Married June 8,1963 at First Methodist Church, Elmhurst, Illinois. The couple then summered at Camp Eberhart where Tom taught Astronomy and Merry taught water skiing.

Sears brought the young Carmichael family from Findlay, Ohio to Columbus, Indiana, where Tom opened his second new Sears store. Being transferred again, Tom and Merry decided to remain in Columbus where they raised their family with love and faith: Cherie Mehler (Fritz), Suzanne Howe (Jonathon), Paul Carmichael, and Rebecca Kleihege (John).

Tom then transitioned to teaching science in Shelbyville where he also served as a coach to the high school swim team and ran the elementary Saturday morning sports program for ten years. Summers he ran the Shelbyville Country Club pool, coached their swimming team, and he ran the Columbus East High School pool the year it was open to the public. Tom helped open & close the air-roof. He continued swimming (usually a mile a day) until age 84.

After 10 years of teaching, he ran the non-ferrous metals at Kroot Corporation for nearly 30 years, retiring as vice president. Tom supported Merry in founding ABC-Stewart School where his practical and building skills were invaluable.

As a young couple, Tom and Merry enjoyed square dancing. Tom sang in the church choir for more than 30 years, played violin in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and played in the pit orchestra for musicals. Tom also lent his voice to the Mill Race Silvertones, performed with the Lasting Impressions, and was quick to pick up a guitar for sing-alongs at family gatherings and other events filling the room with joy. Tom cherished his men's group at First Presbyterian Church and the deep fellowship it provided.

At home, Tom was the family's cook and gardener. His baking was legendary. The greenhouse he built, and his yard flourished with thousands of impatiens and hostas, many shared with friends. Tom gave countless hours to coaching soccer and to the Lincoln Center Figure Skating Club, where he designed and built a sports theater lighting system that brightened the Lincoln Center Ice Show for over 20 years.

Tom took delight in his family. He adored his eight grandchildren: Lauren (Rey) Sandoval, Madeliene, Megan and Allison Fernandez, Erica and Trevor Howe, and Abigail (Abby) and Emma Kleihege, his sister Lynda Patricia Brown and brother Marc Lynd Carmichael, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 512 Franklin Street. Tom felt passionate about both the First Presbyterian Church and ABC-Stewart School. In lieu of flowers you may contribute to The First Presbyterian Church (music) or to the ABC-Stewart school (scholarship fund). Both are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.