Elmer Clayton Carmichael

Elmer Clayton Carmichael

Elmer Clayton Carmichael, aged 89 years, of Indianapolis, passed away February 29, 2020.     He was born August 20, 1930, in Nashville, Indiana, to James T. and Lillian Carmichael.

After his birth, Elmer’s family moved up to the Mars Hill area of the west side of Indianapolis. Growing up in Mars Hill, Elmer attended Ben Davis High School and was a star fullback and halfback for the football team. During his teen years, Elmer learned not only academics from school but also the trade of building homes from his father.

In 1950, Elmer, also known as Clayton, was married to Margaret I. Clelland. Shortly thereafter,  they moved to California, where Elmer worked in aviation for about a year. Unfortunately, their son, Ronnie, became ill, and the family moved back to Indianapolis. Ronnie eventually passed away at the age of 5 as the result of a liver defect, biliary atresia.

After moving back to Indianapolis, Elmer used the skills his dad had taught him and began to build houses. Children Stevie, Gary, Jimmy, and Cheri soon joined the family. Sadly, the liver defect that took Ronnie was also found in Stevie and Jimmy: Stevie passed at 5 weeks of age, and Jimmy, at 4 years of age.

In 1969, Elmer built the family house in Chapel Hill—the same house that Elmer’s daughter Cheri and her husband now reside. The business was successful, he became a supervisor over construction crews and life was good for Elmer and his family. They enjoyed yearly trips to Clearwater, Florida. Elmer was a part of the Voyager Flying Club and visited Hawaii, Acapulco, Haiti, and more!

In 1975, Elmer left the construction business and became a superintendent for the large Sheridan Hotel and Conference Center, where he worked for 20 years. In 1995, Elmer entered the security business and worked as a security guard until his retirement in 2012. He was a member of Lawrence Baptist Church and contributed his time and knowledge to its betterment.

After the passing of Margaret, Elmer decided to move back to the west side of Indianapolis to be closer to family and made several new friends.

Elmer enjoyed many things in his life: sharing stories, golfing, fishing, traveling, and playing darts. Elmer’s greatest love in life, though, was helping others. He had a big heart and always wanted to help those who were less fortunate. Elmer will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Elmer is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Joe Sr.) Adams; his son, Gerald (Cathy) Carmichael; and his closest nephews, Dennis Carmichael, Patrick Carmichael, and Kevin Carmichael. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons Ronnie, Jimmy, and Stevie; his brother, James Thomas “JT” Carmichael; and several half brothers and sisters.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 10am to noon at Flanner Buchanan – Memorial Park. A service will follow at noon, also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation and/or the American Heart Association.