Michael Patrick Carr

April 1, 1952 - November 27, 2020

Eddyville. Michael Patrick Carr, 68, of Eddyville died Friday, November 27, 2020, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born April 1, 1952, in Corydon, Iowa, the son of Harry Carr and Betty Ray. As a child Mike and his family lived in various towns in southeast Iowa. He graduated from Fremont High School with the class of 1970. It was while in school at Fremont that Shelley Dunsmoor caught Mike’s eye when she was the “new girl” in school. He proudly proclaimed to his friends that was the girl he was going to marry. He would alter his schedule of classes to make sure he could have class with her at some point during the school day. Finally, late into their senior year he found the courage to ask her on a date. On April 3, 1971, he made good on his study hall promise to his friends, and was united in marriage to Shelley at the United Methodist Church in Fremont. Early on Mike worked at the gas station and truck stop at the Hedrick ‘Y’. Later he worked at Clow Valve for a short time. He returned to his position at the truck stop for a few years, and then decided to open his own service station in Ottumwa. His true love was building pole barns, he started his construction career working for Andeway Construction in Oskaloosa. Later he was the foreman for Hawkeye Lumber’s pole barn crew. His entrepreneurial spirit came through again and he started MPC Construction, primarily building pole barns around the state of Iowa. He owned and operated that company until a work injury forced his retirement. In retirement his mechanical mind was put to good use tinkering in the garage and brainstorming solutions for problems around the house. He was a member of the N.R.A. He enjoyed keeping up on current events, watching all news channels and discussing politics. He found peace in nature, he loved to trap, hunt, and fish. He was at home on the river fishing and enjoying his surroundings. He looked forward to sitting on the picnic table by the fire pit and talking about the day. His quick wit and original “one liners” would typically keep a crowd gathered util late in the evening or when the refreshments ran dry. Two things that where taboo in Mike’s world: Do not ask to get in the fridge or cooler, as everyone was always welcome, and keep quiet when the weather forecast was being read on the radio. He found true joy in his great grandchildren. His family includes his wife of over 49 years, Shelley Carr of Eddyville; three children and their spouses, Michelle and Chad Langstraat of Cedar, Kelly and Adam Davis of Oskaloosa, and Patrick and Tanya Carr of University Park; eleven grandchildren, Paige (Brent) Ver Steegh, Shyanne (Robyn) Vanderhyde, Aiden Langstraat, Charley Carr, Layne Carr, Brady Davis, Rylee Davis, Emalee Davis, Jack Carr, Max Carr, and Jase Carr; three great grandchildren, Makinlee, Natalee, and Landon Ver Steegh; a brother, William Carr of Eddyville; a sister, Joanne Hedlund of Oskaloosa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Charles Carr; and a brother, Leo Carr. As was Mike’s wish his body has been cremated. No visitation or services are planned at this time. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Carr family and sent to Shelley Carr Post Office Box 207, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577.