Charles Clifford Carrigan, 89, died on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Shell Rock Health Care Center in Shell Rock. He was born on Dec. 23, 1934, near Woodbine, to Harold and Nerna (Payne) Carrigan. He grew up in the Woodbine area and graduated from Woodbine High School in 1953. Charlie joined the Army Reserve where he did his Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. and his Medic Training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He served six months of active duty followed by Active Reserve. Charlie married Darlene Densmore on July 2, 1958, at the First Baptist Church in Wilcox, Ariz. While in Arizona, Charlie worked for the REC in Sierra Vista as a groundsman setting poles, and for Southern Pacific Railroad on the line crew.
The majority of his working years were spent building steel bins and buildings for Brunnings in Castana. His later working years were spent in small engine repair. Charlie served on Dunlap City Council for several years and the Harrison County Landfill Commission. He was a member of the local National Turkey Wildlife Federation for many years. Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, woodworking and wine making. He spent a great bit of time restoring a steam engine. Charlie enjoyed entertaining people with his quick wit and quirky sense of humor. Most of all, Charlie loved spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, family and friends.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nerna (Payne) Carrigan; wife of 62 years, Darlene Carrigan; and sisters, Patricia Jo Carrigan and Camilla Carrigan Sullivan. He is survived by his three daughters, Donna and her husband Trent Olmstead of Janesville, Janet and her husband David Crumley of Camden Point, Mo. and Laura and her husband Todd Hirchert of Cleveland, Tenn.; grandchildren, Dr. Benjamin Crumley and his wife Katie of Saint Robert, Mo., Andrew Olmstead of Janesville, Sarah Olmstead of Waverly, Caleb Crumley of Camden Point and Madison Swigart and Makenzi Swigart both of Omaha, Neb.; great-granddaughter, Norah Crumley; one great-grandson on the way; and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to Dunlap Fire and Rescue at 715 Iowa Ave., Dunlap, IA 51529, or a charity of their choice.
A memorial service was held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap with Beth Fouts presiding over the service. The recorded musical selections were “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Ricky Van Shelton, “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson and “I’ll Fly Away” By Alan Jackson. Charlie’s final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
