Jess Carmon Obituary

Born in Durango, Colorado. March 17, 1935 to Jess Paul Carmon and Alice Martha (Holloway) Carmon. Died March 5, 2017 at his home in Durango.

Leroy started life in the Bondad and Cedar Hill area with his parents. His Dad died when Leroy was two years old. His sister Clyde and family stepped in to help his Mother raise him. His mother found a job in Durango and Leroy joined her and started school at Central Elementary. He graduated from Durango High School in June of 1953. His first job was mowing the neighbors' lawns. Next he went to the Durango Herald Democrat and had 3 paper routes. He always said the biggest day for selling papers was the day WWII was over. He also did janitor work at the Herald and helped set type. He thought he had hit the jackpot when he went to work for a $1.25 an hour at Coors Warehouse, loading trucks. When they found out he was only 17, they were forced to lay him off. He then went to work for Cliff Bryce Service Station on the corner of 6th Street and 3rd Avenue. In 1953 he started dating the love of his life, Terry Kasal. They were married November 8 that same year. He then went to work for his mother and step father at City Cleaners, which he later bought from them. Twenty years and four children later (Mike, Bob, Linda and Jess) he sold City Cleaners so he could devote all his time to the volunteer fire department. In the late 1960's a few of the La Plata Volunteers decided to try and form a fire district. After hours of meetings, petition signing, checking on laws, talking to people, the "Animas Fire Protection District" was formed in 1970. In June 1977 he was awarded " Citizen of the Year " by the Florida Mesa Grange. He held this honor in quiet reserve, knowing that it was awarded by a group of his peers for his outstanding contributions and selfless devotion to the community.

He was very thankful and proud of each and every person that became a volunteer fire fighter, and of every business and person that helped support the volunteers. He was a great motivator of men, and made every individual feel a sense of self-worth. He "retired" as Chief of the Animas Fire Protection District in 1988 and started a new career in long haul semi-truck driving for Richners, which later became Don Ward, and eventually became known as J&E Trucking. He and his son Bob bought the Durango business and kept it for ten years. When he finally decided to retire, he and Terry spent many hours in their motor home exploring the USA and Canada. In the summer of 2007, he fulfilled a lifelong ambition of "Driving to Alaska".

Leroy was very intelligent and self motivated. He was raised to believe that a man's word was as good as any contract, and that his hand shake was better than a signature on that contract. All the good deeds done for him, and by him, are now engraved in the hearts of his family and friends. His deep love and appreciation of life was felt by everyone he came in contact with. He enjoyed being with family and friends no matter whether it was camping, fishing or just talking and telling stories. (and he could tell some)

He is survived by: Terry (Kasal) Carmon , (his wife of 63 Years). His Children: Michael (Mike) his wife Audrey Carmon, Robert (Bob) his wife Kathy Carmon, Linda (Carmon) her husband George Deavers and Jess Carmon.

Grandchildren: Michelle (Carmon) Pinger, Sally Jo Carmon, Robert Carmon, his wife Colleen Carmon, Kalan (Deavers) her husband Coy Woodard and Kody Deavers. Great Grandchildren: Jordan Pinger, Chelsea Pinger, Jessica Hajoglou and Jacob Carmon. Nephews : Charles, Kenneth and Gregory Stilwell , and their families. Niece: Alice Chapman and her family. Cousins: Orella, Luanne, Jane, Linda and John and their families.

He was preceded in death by: Granddaughter Jennifer Carmon, Parents Jess P. Carmon and Alice M. (Carmon) Aspromonte. Sisters: Clyde (Lloyd) Palmer and Charlotte (Charles) Stilwell. Nephews Raymond Palmer and Gerald Stilwell, niece Karen (Palmer) Cugnini .

Thank you to everyone for the flowers, cards and food. They were greatly appreciated.

Donations may be made to your favorite charity if you so desire.