Mark Ward Carman was born Dec. 8, 1958 in Goodland, Kan. to Max D. and Janice L. (Claar) Carman. He passed away Wednesday, May 27 at his home in McCook at the age of 67.

On Sept. 16, 1978, Mark married Cathy Cole at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Goodland. In 1979, they made their home in McCook. A son (Ryan) and daughter (Ashley) were born to this union. They were also blessed with three grandchildren and a step-granddaughter.

Mark was raised in Goodland and graduated from Goodland High School in 1977. Helping with his dad’s Texaco station in Goodland during his high school years was the beginning of Mark’s lifelong work in the automotive industry. While in high school, Mark built his 1964 Chevrolet Impala with his father, Max. He sold it briefly, only to see it down the alley when they moved to McCook. That car has been a pride and joy, shared in car shows and parades. He even let his son drive it to high school occasionally (on nice days). He recently rebuilt the 409 engine and was able to enjoy it before his passing.

Following high school, Mark was employed at Van’s Auto Body Shop in Colby, Kan. before settling in McCook. For a short time, he was an auto-body painter at Hormel Chevrolet in McCook. In 1981, he started a business partnership, D&M Body Builders. From 1996-2004 he was the body shop manager at Howard Kool’s Chevrolet. From 2004-2007, Mark sold vehicles with Bill Summers in North Platte and Janssen Kool Honda in McCook. In 2007, Mark and Cathy started Pride N Joy Auto Detail where he was able to continue serving the community with his love for putting pride in your ride. He semi-retired in April 2026 and was winding down the business.

A loyal McCook Bison and Nebraska Husker fan (Go Big Red). Mark also loved camping, family time and being a grandpa.

Throughout his life, Mark was involved in multiple community organizations including his many roles with Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association, board member of Midwest Liberty Credit Union and was a dedicated blood donor at the McCook Blood Drive, where he had donated 14 gallons.

Mark was a long-time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where he served as a confirmation assistant and council member. Mark lived his faith in his actions, kindness, loving and serving all of God’s people. We have no doubt that God greeted him with “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Survivors include his loving wife, Cathy; son, Ryan (Kiley) Carman, of Madison, Ala.; daughter, Ashley (Miles) White of North Platte; grandchildren, Caitlyn, Nolan and Mason Carman; step-granddaughter, Shelby Berglund; sisters, Tamella Baker of Port Bolivar, Texas and Lynn (Jim) Herbic, of Salina, Kan.; AFS (foreign exchange) sister, Gulbin Karazincir of Harmony, Pa.; mother-in-law, Connie Cole of Goodland, Kan.; sisters-in-law, Kay Lea (Randy) Carri and Kim Cole, of Goodland, Kan.; AFS (foreign exchange) sister-in-law, Sigalit Rubin Flor of Israel; nephews and nieces, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Carman; father, Max Carman; stepmother, Veanna Carman; father-in-law, G. Allan Cole; brothers-in-law, Chris Cole and Roger Baker.

Cremation was chosen. Mark’s family will greet friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel.

Memorial services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. of Friday afternoon, June 12 at McCook Christian Church. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date in the Goodland Cemetery in Goodland, Kan.

Memorials in Mark’s name are suggested to the Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association / SWNCTA (PO Box 114, McCook, Nebraska 69001), the McCook Bloodmobile (38323 Drive 716, McCook, Nebraska 69001), or to Our Saviors Lutheran Church (312 Seminole Drive, McCook, Nebraska 69001). Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.

© 2026 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!