Freddie Dean Carmical Sr., 87, of Coldiron, KY, received his crown of life on August 11th, 2026, at 8:03 a.m. peacefully at the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard.

Being one of 15 kids, Fred learned about working hard early in life. His hands showed the scars of many days plowing with a horse in the garden. In 1955, Fred joined the Navy, where his hard work continued. While in the Navy, he got to travel the seas and visit 18 countries. On his ship, Fred, as a gifted basketball player, was on the ship's basketball team. A highlight for him was playing against the Barcelona Olympic team and beating them.

Fred also learned how to cut hair while in the Navy. He even cut the officers' hair. Fred always had a deep love for his family. While in the Navy, he would send the money from his hair cutting, and a portion of his service pay back home to help his parents and many siblings.

Fred's working career was in coal mining. He served as the superintendent and safety director for KY Harlan Coal Company. Fred's knowledge and humbleness made him a mentor to many men. He loved them, and they loved and respected him.

The last portion of Fred's working career was for the State of Kentucky as a mining inspector and instructor. He was a favorite instructor, bringing a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.

Fred had seen and done many things in his life, but the examples he left us are priceless. He taught, in his humble way, how to be a Christian, a husband, a father, and a friend. Fred loved his family, his boys, their wives, and greatly loved his grandbabies. Most of all, he loved his Phyllis Ann. They had a relationship we all strive for, and it was an honor to witness.

He enjoyed his church, fishing, and working in the yard. He was a worker. Fred loved God's Word. He was faithful to read his Bible. He read it front to back around 17 times. So, with a life well lived and the legacy you left us, we rejoice for you. Until we see you again, we thank God for you.

He was preceded in death by: wife, Phyllis Ann Blanton Carmical; parents, Robert and Cora Mae (Mammie) Carmical; five brothers, Bobbie, John D., David, Barry Lynn, and Richard; and two sisters, Lois and Debbie.

He leaves for now: two sons, Freddie Dean Jr. (Deanio) and wife, Sheila; Seth and wife, Heather; three grandchildren, Kierstyn (Blake) Arnold, Presleigh (Preston) England, and Harper Ann Carmical; great-grandchildren — Conner, Kendalyn, Leighton, and Bower.

Also surviving are two sisters, Joan Shultz and Barb Saylor; five brothers, Jimmy (Faye) Carmical, Don (Lana) Carmical, Jack (Nona) Carmical, Ross (Brenda) Carmical, and Gary Carmical; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

A special thank you to everyone at the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center that cared for Freddie. We could never thank you enough for how you treated Freddie. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Visitation will be Sunday August 16, 2026, from 5-8 pm in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be Monday August 17,2026 at 1 pm at the Coldiron Church of God with the Reverend Shawn Rigney officiating. Masonic Rites will be performed by the Wallins Lodge #666 F.&A.M.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery, Keith, KY, with Military Rites presented by the Harlan Honor Guard.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Carmical family.