"Mary Lou and Shawn The world is a colder place without Don Carmody. It was my honor and pleasure working with and getting to know him. He alsways had a smile and pleasant comment for all.We are all better people for having known Don Carmody."
In loving memory of
Don Carmody
September 9, 1947 - February 6, 2012
Don Carmody, 64, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Monday, February 06, 2012, at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. The family will receive friends during this time and following the rosary until 5:00 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Monday, February 13th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Interment will be at the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Memorials have been established to Mt. Pleasant High School Foundation to be used for the marching band and show choirs; St. Alphonsus Catholic Church; the G.D.C.A. (Great Dane Club of America) Charitable Trust which will be used for the Don Carmody Scholarship; and the University of Arizona Foundation for Surgical Oncology Research (for colorectal cancer research). Born September 9, 1947, in Ottumwa, IA, Donald Francis was the son of Matt F. and Catherine A. (O'Brien) Carmody. He was a graduate of Centerville Community College and Drake University. On December 20, 1969, he married Mary Lou Murray at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, IA. Don began a 38 year career in banking in the Des Moines area, where he worked for Thrift Plan Inc., American Finance Company and Bankers Trust Company. He moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1981 and began working for the Mt. Pleasant Bank and Trust. In 2000, he helped form the Henry County Bank; (now known as Two Rivers Bank and Trust). He retired in September 2007, but continued to serve as a board member of the bank's financial group. Don has served in a number of leadership capacities. He is a past chairman of the Iowa Bankers Association (1997-1998); past member of the IBA Board and the American Bankers Association. Don served as a board member of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, Manufacturer's Association and Economic Development Commission; past member of the S.E. Iowa Regent Planning Commission; former treasurer of the City of Mt. Pleasant; a board member of the Southeastern Community College Foundation; former treasurer of the Rec Center; and Junior Achievement board member. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Noon Rotary Club and St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Don was the chairman of the Avenue of Saints highway project. He spearheaded and was the driving force of its completion that connected St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN. He was the past Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Transportation and a Commissioner of the US Department of Transportation in Washington, DC, serving on the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission Don was the recipient of many prestigious awards including; the Sam Walton Business Leader Award in 1999; the Mt. Pleasant Chamber Alliance Citizen of the Year in 1997; and the James A. Leach Leadership Distinguished Banker of the Year Award in 2005. Along with his wife, Mary Lou, Don loved raising and showing Great Danes. The Carmodys raised three #1 Great Danes and four "Best in Show" All Breed Great Danes. Don was a lifetime member of the Des Moines Kennel Club, and was a member of the Burlington Kennel Club and the Great Dane Club of America. He also belonged to the Dog Judging Association where he was known for his judging of dogs in national and international competitions. Don is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Mt. Pleasant, IA; one son, Shawn (Monica) Carmody of Chicago, IL; and three brothers, John Carmody of Melrose, IA, Patrick (Kathy) Carmody of Solon, IA, and Mike (Linda) Carmody of Ankeny, IA.
Tributes
"Dear Family of Don- My thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Don many years ago at Great Dane Nationals but a few years ago he was my mentor during the ringside mentorship. He was wonderful and shared his love of the breed, wonderful tips, information, and education. I enjoyed a brief Hello this past Oct.in Arizona. I was so sad to learn of his loss. Treasure the memories.- Patty Wolf"
"I was introduced to Don many years ago at a dog show. It was always a pleasure to see him. He was never without a friendly word and a smile, and he brightened every event he was at. I am truly sorry and so saddened by his passing. He was one of the good guys and will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to his family."
"Dear Mary-Lou and Shawn, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Don. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you during this difficult time. Fly with angels, Don! My Deepest Sympathies, Chantel Johnson"
"I was so sorry to read of Don's passing; it was my privilege to know Don when he was a DOT Commissioner and I respected him for his dedication to making improvements in our transportation system; he made decisions with integrity and honesty. As a Commissioner, he was courteous to staff and it was always fun to talk with him about his Great Danes and his family who he loved so very much."
"We all will miss Don so much . He was always so friendly and supportive to us. At this time I know it is so hard for you Mary Lou, But please know all your many friends are there for you. A Big Hug from all of us. Treasure Wylie Hauer and Beve, Bill Hauer"
"Mary Lou, I am so sorry to read of Don's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Mary Lou: I was deeply sadden to hear from my Dad that Don had passed away. Our thoughts are with you and Shawn at this time. I really have fond childhood memories of you two and think of you often when we pass by your old house in West Des Moines. I will always keep the memories of Don, you and Machent. Now Don and Machent will be together again! Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family!! Lisa Murano Trom"
"Mary Lou and Shawn-I was deeply saddened to see Don's obituary in yesterday's newspaper. It was always a treat to run into you two and the Des Moines All Breed shows, even though we didn't see each other often. My thoughts and condolences are with you. Annette"
"Dear Mary Lou, We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was always so pleasant and a good neighbor. Please accept our deepest sympathy and don't hesitate to let us know if you need some help from a neighbor. Sincerely, Dan and Tammy"
"Mary Lou and Shawn, So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time."
"MaryLou, On behalf of all of our family, our sincere condolences on Don's passing. The fond memories of our families times together are too numerous to mention. Please know that you and Shawn are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Anyone who has ever known Don has lost a friend. Jim and Bonnie Stottlemyer, Robyn Stottlemyer, J.P. Stottlemyer"
"Mary Lou and Family, Don was such a good friend to so many in and outside of banking. He was a true community banker and a true community leader. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff & sandy Plagge"
"Mary Lou and family-After moving from Iowa in the 80s and returning in the insurance business in 1990, I had pretty much lost touch with Don and his career. In spite of that void, my reaction when I saw his obituary in the paper was like I had been seeing and talking with him routinely all these years. We first met when I was with the Iowa Dept. of Banking and later we were "friendly" correspondent banking competitors when I was with Capital City State Bank prior to its purchase by Hawkeye Bancorporation. What do you say about someone like Don? He was a first class man when I saw him frequently and I'm certain those qualities were never diminished. His obituary is solid confirmation of my thinking. His passing will leave a void in his community, his industry, his church, his friends and, most importantly, with you and your family. I suspect he has left you all with many memories to keep close. My thoughts are with you all at this. Steve Allen"
"Mary Lou, Shawn and family ~ We are remembering with fondness the wonderful moments we have shared with you and Don, Mt. Lemmon, Tubac, landscape shopping, Bubb's Grub . . . They say that sweet memories are the paradise of the mind . . . we will hold these memories in our hearts always."
"Mary Lou & family, Please accept my sincere sympathies in your tragic loss. We have all lost a great Banker and a great Iowan. Truly the banking industry and our state are better because of Don's contributions. Tom Whitson"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. So many great memories of Shawn and Andy growing up in Mt. Pleasant. Sincerely, Eric, Brenda, Andy, David & Sabrina Hawkinson"
"Mary Lou and Shawn and family, So sorry for your loss .It was with great shock that we saw this news. We really enjoyed all of you growing up through the years . Watching Shawn grow into a very successful young man brought great joy to you both . Our prayers are with you and God Bless you in the next chapter of your lives . I will miss the BIg Guy .Had enormous admiration for him . Scott nad Kathy altersi12o"
"To all the Carmody Family, So sorry to hear about Don, I too am a classmate of Don's and have lots of fun memories of him. He was a genuinely true friend that always had a smile. My thoughts are with you."
"Mary Lou & family, It was a sad day for me when I received your email informing me of Don's death. I am honored to consider such a great individual as Don as a good friend and business associate. His passing will leave a void in the banking and business world that will be impossible for any one individual to fill. My thoughts and payers are with you. Dick Park"
"From the Chicago cousins to the Carmody family - Although the visits have been few in recent years, my brother Pat and I often reminisce about our childhood visits to Melrose and the many summers on the "farm" with our Iowa cousins, aunts and uncles. That was followed by visits for reunions, weddings (including Don and Mary Lou's) and too many funerals. We carried with us, in our own lives, the values of the people of Melrose. And we often wondered how nice the world would be if everyone in the world was like them. Although Don made his mark and accomplished much in the Mt. Pleasant area, we are sure that the dust from the dirt roads of his home in Melrose never left his boots. May God bless Don and the entire Carmody family. Larry & Marilyn O'Brien and family"
"Mary Lou....We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. We had many great times together through our banking years. I always enjoyed our long phone conversations when we always solved a bunch of problems, or so we thought. A really great guy. Our condolences to you and Shawn. Jim & Jan"
"Mary Lou and Shawn, Just a note to say how sorry we are to hear of Don's passing. Our community was blessed to have Don and his family here to contribute so much, especially for our transportation system. His leadership role in the community was outstanding and contributed in many ways. Mt. Pleasant will always benefit from his efforts. Can't help but think the highway to heaven will be improved with Don there to over see it."
"Mary-Lou, Sincerest sympathies to you and Shawn at this sad time. We, like everyone else will miss Don and his warm-heart, ready smile and welcome. Mary, Mags, John & Mary and all from The Irish Great Dane Club"
"Mary Lou and Shawn, Don was a classmate in Albia and one of those people who was liked by everyone - fellow students and teachers alike. He knew how to enjoy every day and was kind to everyone. I think of him and remember his smile and laugh. I feel for your loss and know that he will be missed by many, many, many."
"Carmody Family: Our deepest sympathy & prayers are with you in this time of such deep sorrow. Rest in Peace Don-May God Bless you & the entire Carmody Family. Jerry & RoseA Vestal, Melrose"
"It is with great sorrow we say goodbye to a man who loved his Danes and the people in the dog game. He will be missed by all and remembered by many. We had our good times and they were many and varied. Godspeed Don"
"Mary Lou. I have known Don well since high school and visited with him over the years when he was on the IDOT board and at economic development meetings. Don will be remembered by many years for the time he gave both to his community and to the state making both better places to live. He never forgot his Monroe County roots either. His death is not only a huge loss for you and Shawn but also for the entire Mt. Pleasant community.Dave Johnson, Albia"
"Mary Lou and Shawn - We were deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. I greatly admired Don's leadership skills and his commitment to the growth of Mt. Pleasant, Henry County and southeast Iowa. I learned so much during my years working for him and with him in economic development. The true test of someone's character is how they treat others and Don treated all with respect and dignity. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. May the knowledge that Don has been called to the eternal home we all seek strengthen you. God's blessings on both of you. Greg and Deb Spenner"
"To the Carmody family, Don was always a pleasure to work with, and many bankers owe a debt to him for the contributions he made to the banking industry. He will indeed be missed."
"Mary Lou, We're so very sorry. Knowing you and Don has been another of the great experiences we had in Iowa banking and Don's contributions to that and to achieving the building of the Avenue of the Saints will be long remembered. Our condolences."
"Mary Lou, I was so sorry to hear about Don. I enjoyed working with him so much at the Iowa Bankers Association. He always had a smile on his face and was such a pleasure to be around. He will be missed."
"Mary Lou, Shawn and Family: We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our thoughts are with you."
"I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR THE NEWS OF DONS PASSING. I HAD NOT SEEN HIM FOR MANY YEARS , BUT WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND CLASSMATE OF HIS IN 1965. MAY YOU RIP GOOD FRIEND AND MY SYMPATHY TO ALL OF THE CARMODY FAMILY."
"To the Carmody Family, We are feeling very sorry for your loss. Kostas, Diane, Christina, Antonio, and Caroline."
"The family of Donald would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. From his immediate family; to those of Melrose where he was born and raised; to his many friends from the community of Mt. Pleasant and beyond. Our gratitude and appreciation; for your help and support; not only for our brother; also Mary Lou and Shawn. They say a man his judged by his friends; if that's true; our brother was greatly blessed. Even though with some of you; our paths may never cross again; you'll always have a special place in our hearts. GOD BLESS the family of Donald Carmody"
"Mary Lou and Shawn, Please know that I was very sad to hear the news about Don. I am glad that I got the chance to work with him before his retirement. He had a lot of plans for his retirement. Every time he came into the bank he never failed to come up to me and say Hi and ask how I was doing. As many have said he will be missed."
"Mary Lou, I'am so sorry to hear about Don! I thought the world of him, and enjoyed many years of knowning him. He will be greatly missed, and will always be in my thoughts. Jim"
"MARY LOU--Sorry to hear of Don`s passing. I was always g.lad to see you whenever i ran into you two at different events, I am sorry that i cannot be in IOWA to go to the funeral, as i am still in ARIZONA. I will keep you in my prayers. JOHNY"
"Mary Lou- We had such great times with you folks during our HawkeyeBank years. Such great memories there. Don was always such a great person for me to bounce ideas with. So glad I had a chance to reunite with him 2 years ago when we were in Tucson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"MaryLou & Shawn; So Sorry for your loss. Don was a Great Guy. Enjoyed knowing all of you while we were in Mt. Pleasant. He will be missed by many. Too Young to leave so soon. You have our Deepest Sympathy. Jim & Esther Fus, Lake Geneva, WI"
"Mary Lou and family - Sending our thoughts and prayers. (Met Don and you from working years at HCHC and attending dog shows in Burlington) Don was a wonderful, kind, and thoughtful person who helped many people. He was one of Mt. Pleasant's great business leaders and will be missed by many. God bless you all."
"Mary Lou & Family, Know your friends are with you at this difficult time. Don was a wonderful guy & Great business man & will be missed by many! Love & Prayers With Y'all. Sincerely, Mary Cornell"
"Mary LOU and Shawn.........Marvin and I are so sadden to loose Don. He has been a wonderful friend to us! We loved him dearly! What a Wonderful Husband and Father he was to besides a Great Banker!! So much fun to have you guys winter in Tucson with us!! He will be so very much missed!! We hope we can help you along the way to. All you need to do is ask and we will be there!!Something else I will miss beside his smile and jokes is playing cards. Oh my how he loved that. I still dont know if I understand his game. but it was fun. Well Don........look after us buddy from up there. Someday we all will be with you again! Much love to you on your way home!! Wanda and Marvin Day"
"Mary Lou and family, We were so sorry to hear of Don's death. You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep all the family in our Prayers. Don was a kind and wonderful man. We always enjoyed our short visits with him when we would stop in Mt. Pleasant on our way to Melrose. Now he is in Heaven enjoying the family there. Love, John&Darlene"
"Dear Carmodys, I will always remember how kind Don was to always inquire how Mark was doing with his battle with cancer. Don did a lot of good for Mt. Pleasant and was respected not just here but across the state. My barometer for judging people is how they treat me and Don always treated me with kindness and respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Mark and Theresa Rose"
"As I told Pat, both Rick and I have Mayo appointments on Feb. 13, in Rochester. So we will be unable to attend services for my sweet cousin. I am reminded of the Irish prayer...May the road wind up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and may you be an hour in heaven before the devil knows you're dead. Sweet cousin,Don, know you are loved and will be missed greatly. Embrace all the O'Brien brothers, my dad, Francis, in particular, your beautiful mother, Catherine, and your wonderful dad, Mat, for all of us..... God rest all your souls! Julie O'Brien Salvesen"