Brian Lynn “Bunny” Carman was born July 5, 1959, in Ontario, Oregon, to Marjorie Margaret (Whaley) and Marlin Leslie Carman. At the age of five, Brian moved with his family to Imperial, Nebraska. He attended Imperial Grade School and graduated from Chase County High School in 1977. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving from May 1977 – May 1983. Brian later continued his education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he studied accounting. He also received medical coding certification in 2013 through Performance Training Institute’s online program.
On May 19, 1984, Brian married Melanie K. Hughes at the Imperial City Park and to this union four daughters were born: Elizabeth, Sagan, Elisha and Breanna. The couple settled in Imperial, Nebraska, where Brian was employed at Carman’s Appliance as a service technician and service manager. In 2005-2012 Brian worked at the Chase County Community Hospital as plant manager, director of environmental services, safety officer and emergency response coordinator. He also was employed at Pivot Electric as the shop manager from 2012-2013 and Ogallala Community Hospital as certified professional coder from 2013-2015. Brian was currently employed at Banner Health where he worked as certified general surgery coder and certified professional coder.
Brian was a member of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years (1985-2010) including six consecutive years as Fire Chief. He implemented the formation of Dive Rescue and Recovery Team and he functioned in various roles including Training Officer, Rope Rescue Captain, Extrication Team Member and Fire Chief. Brian was certified as Fire Fighter 1 by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
Brian enjoyed reading, writing, golfing, bowling, playing softball, watching baseball (especially the Braves), listening to music, mushroom hunting, gardening, playing cribbage and trivia game shows. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Brian passed away Sunday morning, July 18, 2021, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial. He was 62 years of age.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents Marlin L. Carman (1928-1972) and Marjorie M. Carman (1933-2020), and brother Steven L. Carman (1955-1990).
Survivors Include:
Daughters: Elizabeth (Lisa) Fortkamp and husband, Kelen, of Imperial, NE.
Sagan Carman-Downer and husband, Todd, of Bartley, NE.
Elisha Hinojosa and husband, Abel of Enders, NE.
Breanna Carman of Sutherland, NE.
9 Grandchildren: Jason Fortkamp, Taylor Fortkamp, Alex Fortkamp, Payden Downer, Weylon Downer, Avery Hinojosa, Baby Hinojosa, Braelynn Wood and Oliver Wood.
Brother: Doug Carman and wife, Becky, of Imperial, NE.
Sister: Linda Newell and husband, Jeff, of Emmett, ID.
Brother: Alan Carman and wife, Joni, of Imperial, NE.
Memorial services will be held Saturday afternoon, July 24, 2021, 2:00 P.M. (MT) at the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department Fire Hall.
No visitation, as per Brian’s wishes, cremation was chosen.
Memorials have been suggested to Imperial Volunteer Fire Department.
On Line condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
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