Eugene Carl Carmichael

Eugene Carl Carmichael, age 71, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2026.

Eugene was born on November 28, 1954, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Arvel Carmichael and Vera Carmichael.

Later in life, Eugene met the love of his life—and as he would often jokingly say, the "pain in his ass"—his beloved wife, Belinda Ewing. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of memories.

Eugene was a hardworking man who spent many years as a truck driver before becoming an auto mechanic. He took pride in his work and was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help fixing something.

He enjoyed driving, farm work, fishing, and sitting down with friends to enjoy a cold beer. Eugene was known for his sense of humor, his love of practical jokes, and his ability to make people laugh. He especially enjoyed sneaking up on people, scaring them, and keeping everyone on their toes. His playful spirit and larger-than-life personality will be remembered by all who knew him.

If you were looking for him,
You'd probably find him on a back road somewhere—
Window down, radio up,
Heading toward the river without a care.

If you were looking for him,
You'd probably find him on a back road somewhere—
Window down, radio up,
Heading toward the river without a care.

He never met a stranger,
A cold beer, or a good meal he didn't like,
And if there was a fish to catch,
A story to tell,
Or a shortcut to try,
He was already halfway there.

He collected friends everywhere he went,
And somehow knew everybody in town.
The truth is, if he didn't know you,
He probably would by sundown.

His favorite treasures weren't things at all.
They were family gatherings,
Cookouts, holidays,
And especially those grandkids he bragged about every chance he got.
If you stood still long enough,
You were going to hear a story about them.

He taught us that life wasn't meant to be rushed,
But it was meant to be enjoyed.
He showed us that good friends are family,
Good food tastes better shared,
And a day at the river is never a day wasted.

Today, we imagine him cruising one last back road,
Finding the best fishing hole,
The coldest beer,
And a table full of good food waiting on the other side.

We'll miss his laugh,
His stories,
His stubborn streak,
And the way he made every ordinary day feel like an adventure.

The road ahead won't be the same without him,
But every back road, riverbank, and family gathering
Will remind us that he was here—
Living life his own way,
Loving his family with all his heart,
And having one hell of a good time doing it.

Though he's gone from our sight,
His memories ride beside us still,
In every sunset down a country road,
Every cast into the river,
And every smile from the grandkids he loved so much.

A life well lived, 
A man well loved,
And a legacy that will never fade.

He is survived by his wife, Belinda Ewing; his children, Kathy Hill, Violet Daniels, Michelle Wooten, and William McKelroy; sons-in-law, Clifford Wooten and Quinton Hill; and daughter-in-law, Kirstie McKelroy.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Melissa Berger, Jacob Hill, Arlan Hill, Trenton Counts, Andrew Billy, Mason Daniels, Dime Wooten, Reagan Wooten, Clifford Wooten Jr., Aiden McKelroy, and Bellamy McKelroy, as well as many beloved great-grandchildren.

Eugene is survived by his sisters, Virginia Brice and Avis Barton; his brother, Jacob Buckmaster; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Vera Carmichael; his brother, Victor Carmichael; his sister, Alma Simmons; his brothers-in-law, J.R. Buckmaster and Jakie Brice; and his nephew, Ronnie Davidson Jr.

Eugene's legacy is one of hard work, loyalty, laughter, and love for his family and friends. Though he may no longer be here to tell a joke, pull a prank, or share a cold beer, the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.