Service held for Eric Carmichael
Don Carmichael, a father of four left this world in 2001 to be with the Lord and on Thursday, May 16, 2019 after 18 years, he welcomed his son Eric Ray Carmichael into the gates of Heaven never to say goodbye again.
Eric was born September 10, 1974 in Lawton to Donald Ray Carmichael and Brenda Sue Benson Carmichael. Don later married Renee Harvey Carmichael in 1983, who four years later adopted Eric and his sister Kim.
Eric graduated from Byng High School in 1992 with his high school diploma and a State Championship ring in Class A Baseball. Following high school Eric enlisted and served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for the next 7 years.
Lieutenant JE Mc-Donough, Guard Officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, or MEU (SOC) had this to say about Eric Carmichael’s time in active duty:
To Whom It May Concern:
While deployed to the Western Pacific Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, (MEU-SOC), Eric Carmichael was selected as a member of the Troop Guard Force embarked on the USS Belleau Wood. He received specialized training in security decision making, immediate reporting procedures and the application of deadly force.
The Guard Forces’ mission included providing security weapons, equipment and vehicles during a four day staging period prior to embark. Once embarked aboard the Belleau Wood, their responsibilities involved guarding top secret intelligence data, Anti-Aircraft missiles, fixed win aircraft and attack helicopters. They ensured that a proper state of order and discipline was adhered to by over three thousand embarked Marines and Sailors.
The Force performed several other functions including serving as tour guides on the ship during a VIP tour and mission capabilities exhibit.
Eric Carmichael’s performance while serving as a member of the 31st MEU(SOC) Troop Guard Force was both professional and outstanding. The entire Force continually received praise from the 31st MEU Executive Officer and Battalion Landing Team 1/1 Commanding Officer. Ultimately the Force’s mission was a success – maintaining 100% accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars worth of classified material over a 3-month period.
Eric Carmichael’s efforts during this period contributed greatly to the success and operations sustainability of the 31st MEU (SOC).
DECORATIONS, MEDALS, BADGES, CITATIONS AND CAMPAIGN RIBBONS AWARDED OR AUTHORIZED
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sear Service Deployment Ribbon (w/1 star), National Defense Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation, Meritorious Mast (2), and Letter of Appreciation
Eric was also a proud member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society, a group of Chickasaw veterans who reach out and attempt to build relationships between themselves and the young Chickasaw Warriors like Eric who were serving in active duty, through their shared experiences as Chickasaw Warriors serving in The United States Military. He was honorably discharged in 1999 as an E-4 Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.
In 2014 Eric earned his Bachelor’s Degree from East Central University in General Studies with a concentration in business management. During his final year at ECU in God’s perfect time, Eric married the girl he had fallen for in the 5th grade, Lorie Robins, on July 11, 2014 in Eureka Springs, AR in front family, friends and their new precious baby girl, Miss Olivia Grace.
Eric worked as a law enforcement officer for several different police departments in cities all throughout Pontotoc, Seminole and Hughes Counties including two years as the Chief of Police in Stonewall. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and Trinity Baptist Church.
The way Eric talked about the time he served his country as a Marine., or his city as its Chief of Police, made the greatness of their impact on his life quite evident, but to hear him talk about becoming a father and how much he loved his family made it clear that they did not have an impact on his life, they were his reason for living. The University educated him, the Marines trained him, CLEET certified him, but it was Lorie who completed him and helped him become the husband and father God had created him to be.
Eric was faithful to the fight, faithful to the faith, faithful to his family and he was faithful to the finish. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.
Eric is preceded in death by his father, Donald Ray Carmichael.
He is survived by his wife, Lorie and their two children, Olivia Carmichael and Kaleb Carmichael all of the home; Sebastian Treat of Ada; Caellan Carmichael of Escondido, CA, Morgan Carmichael and Aurora Carmichael both of Manchester, NH; mother, Renee Burkhardt and husband Karl of Ada; three sisters, Kim Cheat-wood and husband Don of Bristow, Kayla Carmichael of Ada; Laura Robinson and husband Dane of Holdenville; nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles too numerous to name and friends too numerous to count.