Carl Lee Wickham, 80, of Mt.Pleasant, died Monday, March 10, 2025 at his residence.
Carl was born July 26, 1944 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Ralph Waldo and Helen Eileen (Rawhouser) Wickham. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School.
Carl served his country during the Vietnam War. He was inducted into the United States Army on August 12, 1965 in Des Moines. He served in the First Brigade Dental Unit connected to the US Fifth Army Division. He was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant on August 11, 1967 at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, and remained a US Army Reservist until August 11, 1971.
Upon his discharge, Carl studied bookkeeping at the American Institute of Business (A.I.B.). On November 23, 1969, Carl was united in marriage to Diane Dunblazier in LaHarpe, Illinois.
Carl began a career in bookkeeping working for the Taylor Seed Company of Mt. Pleasant. Carl took EMT/Paramedic classes at Southeastern Community College. Carl then began an extensive career as a Paramedic for the Henry County Ambulance Service. He served the Ambulance Service faithfully for 28 years. After his retirement, Carl enjoyed part-time employment at Shottenkirk Motors where he picked up and delivered cars. He fully retired during the Covid pandemic.
Carl was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church. His primary hobby was following his grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their school and sport activities. He enjoyed his time with his dogs and taking them on walks. In his family, Carl was known for his fondness for hamburgers, M&M’s and Buys on Broadway Ice Cream.
Those thankful for sharing in Carl’s life include his wife of 55 years, Diane of Mt. Pleasant; 3 children and their spouses – Stacey & Rob Swigart of Mt. Pleasant, Michael & Steffanie Wickham of Brooksville, FL, and Marcy & Mark Shrum of West Des Moines; 8 grandchildren – Todd Swigart, Makenzie (Nick) Kruger, Elaina (Jesse) Bell, Mallory (Daniel) Volkmann, Benjamin Wickham, Mason Shrum, Makiah Shrum and Max Shrum; 5 great grandchildren – Addison & Kolton Kruger, Jeremiah & Elijah Bell and Jackson Volkmann; a sister-in-law, Sandra Wickham of Florida, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and his dog, Bootsey.
His parents, his brother – Raymond Wickham and his dogs – Ruby, Minnie and Daphne, precede Carl in death.
An open visitation will be held from 9AM to 8PM on Friday, March 28, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present at the open visitation.
The family will be present to receive friends from 9AM to 11AM on Saturday, March 29 at the funeral home. The funeral service for Carl will be held at 11AM on March 29 at Kimzey Funeral Home. The Reverend Earl Swigart will officiate. The burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Henry County EMS , c/o of the Henry County Health Center Foundation.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com