Carl McFarland

October 2, 1954 - December 20, 2020

Carl Eugene McFarland, 66, of Monrovia, passed from this life at 2:44 p.m., on Sunday, December 20, 2020, in the ICU of IU West Hospital in Avon. One of three children, Carl was born to the late Billy Travis and Genevieve Ethel (James) McFarland, on October 2, 1954, in Lebanon, Indiana. Beginning school in Indianapolis, Carl and his family moved several times before finally settling on a large farm in the heart of Boone County. Following in the pursuit of tradition, everyone was held responsible to work the land and care for 600 hogs, 150 chickens and 9 horses. By the age of five, it was discovered that his hearing was compromised and functioning near 85% deaf. Sadly, Carl was misunderstood for being deviant and wrongfully accused for not listening. Observant and eager to be accepted, his mental game and inner voice were kicked into overdrive and he did not have the blockages to hold him back. His last two years of high school were completed at Clinton Central High School and he graduated with the class of 1975. Drawn to the sport of pitching shoes, it was not just the competition, but the camaraderie that led Carl to cross paths with the love of his life, Linda McFarland. Making the move to be with his lady, Carl followed Linda to Morgan County and the two were married on November 20, 1993. Sharing similar interests, they became two peas in a pod as he also stepped in and cared for her two sons, Jimmy, and Johnny. Diligent to provide, he was with Mooresville Block & Co. for five years before dedicating 20 years at Equipment Technology (ET) before retiring. A man of honor and integrity, Carl made a life commitment in 1978 and pledged to join the Masonic Brotherhood in 1978, his membership was established in Kirklin/Sheridan and was then transferred to the Monrovia Masonic Lodge, where it remained active. In addition to mastering the skill of boom manufacturing, he was an artist in carpentry and patternmaking. Creatively remodeling and designing several custom crafts from all species of wood, Carl made and sold furniture in his spare time. Never known for idle hands, he enjoyed farming with the Edwards farm and always had a few projects going around the homestead. All in good fun and fierce competition, Carl was a WII Golf Master and former fellow pitcher in the American and National Horseshoe Pitching Leagues. A most enjoyed hobby, the gentle art and sport of playing golf and pitching horseshoes brought him to travel and compete nationally in world tournaments; proudly placing 3rd in his class at the MNSTO. In 1998, Carl and Linda bought property and he proudly designed and built their forever home while living in the garage. Above all, Carl was a kind and caring man. His friendly, calm, and pleasant nature was easy to approach and a welcoming presence to be around. Directing his focus to what he felt was important, his tireless work ethic and endless energy was generously shared unto all within his beloved community and circle of people. Deeply loved and greatly missed, Carl was released of his earthly duty and awaits from a place that lies ahead. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandchild, Brinley Kimball and niece, Jody Michaels. Survivors include his loving wife and best friend, Linda Kay (Brown) McFarland of Monrovia; daughter, Jennifer Gilbert; stepsons, Jimmy “Russ” Schmaltz (Cindy) and Johnny Schmaltz (Dawn); siblings, Willie McFarland (Annie) and Jennie Michaels (Benny)); sister-in-law, JoAnn Lynch (Larry); aunt, Mary Crawley; cousins, Shelly DeBoer, Andy and Steve Crawley; grandchildren, Alexis, Destiny, Devin, Hunter, Colby; great grandchildren; Presley, Taylor, Sage, Julian and Kendall; nephew & niece, BJ and Shelly; along with several distant relatives and cherished friends. A Celebration of Life Service will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia, with visitation held prior from Noon. Burial and Graveside Services will immediately follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. Due to current county and state COVID-19 guidelines, all attendees are required to provide and wear their own facial masks throughout the duration of services. Please be mindful of social distancing and avoid all personal contact to slow the spreading of the virus. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley’s Children’s Hospital, where donation envelopes will be available during services and online at https://www.rileykids.org/donate. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Carl’s memory search for Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel @MonroviaFuneralHome on Facebook or visit the online tribute at www.lightmemorial.com.