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| 12/21/2009 2:25:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Lilian Carmer |
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Plain Dealer & Sun's Lilian Carmer dies
Longtime Plain Dealer & Sun assistant editor Lilian Rose Hall Carmer, 73, died at 5:22 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Hospice of South Central Indiana In-Patient Facility in Columbus.
Carmer's amazing career with the two Jennings County newspapers stretched back 52 years. Most of her later years was spent as a reporter and editor, specializing in government affairs.
"Lilian was always so professional and fair," said Ron Bloemer, Jennings County clerk. "She leaves big shoes to fill as a person in the Jennings County community, let alone as a newspaper reporter."
It was in her work covering the news generated at the Jennings County courthouse that she was best well known. Most of her efforts were concentrated in the clerk's office where records are filed.
"I've valued Lilian's opinion on many matters," Bloemer said. "She always got the facts straight and clear. But what impressed me more than anything was her concern for the people. It is difficult to put in perspective what an outstanding person she was."
Earl Taggart, who worked closely with Carmer during his eight years as sheriff agreed.
"Lilian was a class act and had principles that would not be compromised by anyone," he said. "She was a special person."
Over the years, Carmer won a slew of newspaper awards from the Hoosier State Press Association, Women's Press Club of Indiana and National Newspaper Association.
Perhaps her most prestigious achievement was winning the Charlie Biggs Committment to Community Award from the Hoosier State Press Association Federation last year. She also won a big honor in the Communicator of Achievement Award from the Woman's Press Club of Indiana last spring.
Carmer continued working full time at the newspapers until two weeks ago, when she went into the hospital.
"Lilian was a consumate professional if there ever was one," said Bryce Mayer, PD&S editor. "She was a incredibly gifted newspaper person and she cared greatly about her community."
Carmer also was involved in numerous civic activities as a volunteer.
Mrs. Carmer, who lived in the San Jacinto area, was employed by the Jefferson Proving Ground before starting work at the Plain Dealer & Sun in 1958 as a front office clerk. She soon worked her way up to reporter.
The funeral will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home with the Revs. Robert Harting and Richard L. Burcham officiatingand Tom Taylor delivering the eulogy. Visitation is Tuesday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to time of service. Burial will be at Vernon Cemetery.
Mrs. Carmer was an active member of the Graham Baptist Church of San Jacinto. She was instrumental in forming the Jennings County Preservation Association and the movement of the Walnut Grove School to the Muscatatuck County Park. She was active and held various offices in the Jennings County Historical Society, the Clionian Society, the Republican Women, the Jefferson Proving Ground Preservation Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served on the Jennings County Alcohol and Tobacco Board and Historic Hoosier Hills. She was a graduate of Dupont High School.
Mrs. Carmer had an active and inquisitive mind with special interests in photography, historic preservation, genealogy, fishing, gardening, and animal rescue.
Born March 28, 1936, in Jefferson County, Ind., she was the daughter of Perry and Florence Merle Buchanan Hall. She married William Franklin Carmer on June 6, 1953, at the Vernon Presbyterian Church Parsonage. He preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 1997.
Survivors include three nieces, Cheryl Boggs, Connie Ochs and Diana Taylor, all of North Vernon, and numerous extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Audrey Brown.
Memorials may be made to Graham Baptist Church or Mercy Rescue & Adoption, Inc.
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Reader Comments
Posted: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Tim Monaghan
Lilian WAS Jennings County. There wasn't anything of importance here that she didn't know or care about. Big and small. She helped to keep us all in line with her straight forward questions and her twinkle of the eye demeanor. I will certainly miss my friend, Lilian Carmer. May you find comfort in your new home.
Posted: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Tom Kirchner
I never personally met Mrs. Carmer and only e-mailed each other a couple of times. She mentioned in one of her e-mails about a good tip that was given to her husband by my uncle during a time in the 1950s when they were in need of money. This was over 50 years later. You could feel through her writings and in her picture that she was intelligent, caring, and a person that will be missed. We will see her again with her husband in God's loving embrace.
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