Debra Jean Carmer
Debra Jean Carmer
Debra Jean Carmer
November 19, 1954 – May 24, 2020
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 65
Debra Jean Carmer, 65, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, under Hospice Care at her home in Oskaloosa surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 19, 1954 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Edward Henry Sr. and Mary Lou (Mitchell) McGinity. After Debra’s father passed away at a young age, she was raised by her stepfather, Donald Gallup.
Debra attended the Oskaloosa High School. Debra later received her CNA certificate from Indian Hills Community College.
Early on she worked at the Rivola Theater in Oskaloosa where she met her future husband Denny Carmer. They were united in marriage on April 20, 1971 in Oskaloosa. To this union 2 children were born Michelle and Brian.
After their marriage, Debra was a homemaker, taking care of her family and her home. Debra’s family was the center of her world. She delighted in having large family gatherings at her and Denny’s home whenever possible.
Debra enjoyed playing cards, sitting around a campfire with her family and friends and taking care of anyone who needed a helping hand. She will forever be remembered for her caring spirit and kind heart towards others.
Surviving is her husband of 49 years, Denny Carmer of Oskaloosa; her children: Michelle (& Tim) Plate of Cedar and Brian (& Michelle) Carmer of Ottumwa; her grandchildren: Nicole (& Jeff) Harland of Fremont, Dakota Shepherd of Fremont, Quinton Carmer of Knoxville, Chase Carmer of Ottumwa, Racin Carmer of Ottumwa, Kysha (& Sean) Clark of Ottumwa, Alissa (& Justin) Johnston of Hedrick, Logan Plate of Ottumwa, Shiann Miller of Ottumwa and Shontell Miller of Ottumwa; 9 great grandchildren; her 4 sisters: Kathy Anderson of New Sharon, Evelyn (& Dave) Klampe of Pella, Brenda Andreas of Des Moines and Teresa (& Elvin) Brown of Fremont; and her brother, Edward “Sonny” (& Janis) McGinity Jr. of Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Nick Hughes officiating.
Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.
According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event.
The funeral ceremony and the graveside service will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Open visitation with a rolling limit of 10 in the building at any given time will begin on Wednesday after 2 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel until 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. The family will not be present for visitation.
Memorials may be made to the family to be determined at a later date.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Debra Jean Carmer please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
