Funeral services for George Eastman Carmin, 86, were held Aug. 11 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Douglas, with Rev. Carol Prochaska and Rev. Merrill Lanker officiating. Interment was at Douglas Park Cemetery with Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8 conducting military graveside rites.

Mr. Carmin died Aug. 7, 2003, at his home near Orin south of Douglas. He was born Dec. 11, 1916, to Lem and Olive Pauline (Eastman) Carmin. He grew up on the family ranch where his father homesteaded and operated a rodeo livestock company.

He graduated from Douglas High School and Chadron State College, where he earned a degree in education and starred on the basketball team. Following graduation he taught school at Bill and LaGrange and played semipro basketball for the Red Devils. In 1941 he joined the Army Air Corps, serving as captain during World War II in the European Theater. After the war he moved back to the family ranch and taught school in Douglas, where he met and married Ruby Edson, also a Douglas teacher. They raised their four daughters on the ranch near Orin.

For 18 years Mr. Carmin taught and coached in Glendo, where he led his teams to championship titles in football, basketball and track. He taught history and math and served for a time as principal. The high school gym at Glendo still bears his name, Carmin Gymnasium. He returned to Douglas High School as athletic director in 1968, finishing his education career in 1975. He made a difference in many of his students’ lives, teaching them the value of hard work, dedication and integrity. In 1985, Mr. Carmin was included in the first group of inductees into the Coaches Hall of Fame. His picture and biography are displayed in the UW Arena Auditorium. After being diagnosed with multiplesclerosis, Mr. Carmin retired from teaching and full-time ranching. He and his wife spent summers at the ranch and winters in Borrego Springs, Calif. They made wonderful friends and enjoyed the mild climate in Borrego Springs. Mr. Carmin will be long remembered for his valiant fight against the crippling disease.

His love for his family, sense of humor and intense love of sports and competition will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful father and husband and a respected educator and coach. He is survived by his wife Ruby of Douglas; four daughters, Paula Rider-Kreycik and husband Dave of Douglas, Georgia Carmin of Laramie, Jacque Goodrich and husband Craig of Douglas and Donna Ricks and husband Ed of Douglas; 11 grandchildren, Mike Rider, Jay Palmer, Brian Palmer, Bart Goodrich, Garrett Ricks, Jennifer Page, Nichole Rider, Robynn Palmer, Kassie Ricks, Calley Ricks and Bri Goodrich; and three great-grandchildren, Kayle Palmer, Paige Palmer and Jackson Page. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lem Carmin in 1972 and Pauline Carmine on Oct. 17, 1990; sisters Phyllis Lyons, Dorothy Kroschel and infant Mary Belle Carmin; and brother Joe Carmin. Pallbearers were Mike Rider, Jay Palmer, Brian Palmer, Bart Goodrich, Garrett Ricks and T.C. Page. Honorary pallbearers were Jennifer Page, Nichole Rider, Robynn Palmer, Kassie Ricks, Calley Ricks and Bri Goodrich.

Memorials to the George Carmin Youth Athletic Fund in care of Converse County Bank, P.O. Box 689, Douglas, would be appreciated by the family. Gorman Funeral Home-Converse Chapel of Douglas was in charge of the arrangements.

The Douglas Budget, Douglas, Wyoming. August 13, 2003.

Contributor's Note: Mr. Carmin's wife, Ruby Edson, is the youngest daughter and child of I. Roscoe and Anna Edson, and was born at Farnam, Nebraska and graduated from Farnam High School in 1942.