Ernest William "Ernie" Carman, age 84, of Paducah, KY and formerly of Charleston, MO, died at 7:27 a.m., Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Center in Paducah.

He was born June 4, 1939, at Charleston, MO, to the late George William "Bill" and Helen Lankheit Carman. He graduated from St. Henry High School.  He continued his education at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1959.  Upon his graduation from pharmacy school, he returned to Charleston. He and Jim Hess proudly owned and operated Carman and Hess Pharmacy.  Years later, he and Jim passed down their successful business to Melissa Graham and Gary Simmons.  Ernie provided relief work for pharmacies throughout southeast Missouri until his retirement.  He was always willing to help other pharmacists in need, even with extremely short notice.

Ernie was famous for his quick wit and humor.  He loved to offer pearls of wisdom in every situation as, "That's the way the mop flops!" and "common sense is NOT very common!" He was a proud member of the Charleston Coffee Shop Crew and participated daily in "flipping for coffee."  He cherished his friends and considered them family.

Ernie was a lifelong member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston.  Growing up across the street from St. Henry, he was often called on to serve daily Mass.

On October 20, 1962, he married Maureen McCarthy Carman, who preceded him in death in 2012.

Ernie is survived by one daughter, Lisa (Dennis) Sanders of Paducah, KY, one son, Bill (Lana) Carman of Paducah, KY; seven grandchildren, Catherine (Phil) Pierson, Mollina Carman, Frank (Kyndall) Stallings, Patrick Sanders, Stephen (Tara) Carman, David Carman, and Troy Carman; four great grandsons, Bastien Kwassivi, Benjamin Pierson, William Pierson and Benjamin Carman; one brother, David (Georgia) Carman of Kelso, MO and one sister-in-law, Barbara Carman of Charleston, MO.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joe Carman and his son-in- law, Jeff Stallings.

Visitation will be Monday, April 29, 2024, from time 10:00 a.m. until time for the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 5645 Blandville Road, Paducah, KY, 42001.  Fr. Basilio Az Cuc of Paducah will celebrate the Mass.

Committal graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Texas Bend Cemetery near Charleston.

Pallbearers will be: Frank Stallings, Phil Pierson, Patrick Sanders, Robert Carman, John Carman, Stephen Carman, David Carman, Troy Carman and Kevin Rennegarbe.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Lakes of Paducah and his special caregivers who provided loving support and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to Continuum Education and Therapy, 19 Lexington Oaks Court, Foristell, MO 63348

All arrangements are under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com