Kent Carmichael, 77, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

Kent was born on December 17, 1948, in Hays, Kansas, to Elmo and Verna Jane (Thompson) Carmichael. He grew up on the Saline River and graduated from Plainville High School in 1966.

He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Emporia State University in 1970. He married Sandra Anderson of Liberal, KS, on December 28, 1968. After college, the couple moved to Liberal, KS, where Kent began work for his father-in-law in the hardware store business. In 1973, they had the opportunity to move to Ulysses and open Ulysses Standard Supply/Big R/Ace Hardware. This started the beginning of a 50-year career serving Ulysses and the surrounding communities. He later added stores in Larned, Scott City, and Marion. Kent believed the “customer was always right” and was loved by employees and customers alike. When asked how he was, he was famous for answering, “Fantastic…and it’s gonna get better!” As a business member who believed in supporting his community, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce (President 1976), the Rotary Club, the Mid-States Distributing Company, and heavily involved in the annual Home Products Dinner and Spring Fling. He also served many years on the Western Prairie Nursing Home Board of Directors, the Zoning Commission, the Ulysses High School FFA board, and was a volunteer coach for youth basketball.

He was blessed with 57 years of marriage to his loving wife, a relationship built on devotion, faith, and enduring love. He was a proud father to two daughters and grateful for his sons-in-law, whom he loved as his own. His seven grandchildren were a constant joy and blessing in his life. He delighted in watching them grow and following their many school activities. Kent was a steady example to his grandchildren, showing them through his actions the value of hard work, generosity, and caring for others.

Kent’s favorite hobby was fishing. Living in SW Kansas, he didn’t get to fish often, but took annual trips to Alaska with his father and brother. This was a summer highlight he looked forward to all year. His most exciting trip was in 2011, when he broke a world record catching a 466 lb. halibut, a story often retold with a smile and fond memories.

Kent was preceded in death by his father and mother, Elmo and Verna Jane Carmichael, and his stepmother, Lee Carmichael. 

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, of the home; brother, Craig Carmichael (JaneAnn), Independence, MO; two daughters, Shelley Carmichael (Carl Smith), Aurora, NE, and Tricia Gill (Jeff), St. George, KS; and 7 grandchildren: Vianna, Julia, Quinten, and Ayeanna Smith; and Lauren, Evie, and Porter Gill.

Though we mourn his passing, we do not grieve without hope. We take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, and rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. His faith sustained him in life, and it now assures us that we will see him again.

Services will be held at Crestview Christian Church, 3940 Excel Rd, Manhattan, KS on Saturday, February 7 at 11AM. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program