Major Charles Thomas Carroll, USMC (Ret.)

Major Charles Thomas Carroll, USMC (Ret.), 76, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. He was born on December 6, 1949, in Long Island, New York, to George A. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Reilly) Carroll. Charles grew up in Bethpage, New York, alongside his parents and his older brother, George.

From an early age, Charles demonstrated a competitive spirit and a determination to excel. During his freshman year of high school, he began running track and quickly distinguished himself as a talented athlete. His abilities eventually attracted the attention of a coach from another school who was involved in recruiting young men for the Navy. Although Charles was accepted to both Cornell University and Columbia University, he ultimately chose to attend the United States Naval Academy, beginning what would become one of the most meaningful journeys of his life. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1971.

Following graduation, Charles reported to the Basic School at Camp Barrett at Marine Corps Base, Quantico and began a distinguished 20-year career as a Supply Officer in the United States Marine Corps. His work focused on logistics, systems management, and inventory and production management. He became certified in the field and earned a Six Sigma Black Belt, bringing his analytical abilities, leadership, and attention to detail to every assignment.

Throughout his military career, Charles was stationed in several locations, including Okinawa, Japan; Nam Phong, Thailand; and Vallejo, California. These assignments became important chapters in his life, shaping his experiences and creating friendships and memories that he carried with him for the rest of his life. During his 20 years of honorable service, Charles was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with one gold star, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with one gold star, National Defense Service Medal with one gold star, Vietnam Service Medal with one gold star, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Major.

Following his military retirement, Charles brought his knowledge and experience to the private sector. He moved his family to Olathe, Kansas, where he joined the team at Sprint and later worked for GE Capital. He eventually continued his career as an independent consultant, sharing his expertise in systems, management, logistics, and process improvement.

While stationed in Albany, Georgia, Charles met the woman who would become the love of his life, Lucy S Tasso, at a party hosted by a mutual friend. Lucy had previously been widowed and was raising her young daughter, Angela. Knowing that their paths might not naturally cross again, Charles invited Lucy to the Marine Corps Ball. That invitation marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Two years later, in August 1984, Charles and Lucy were married. The timing coincided with Charles’s scheduled relocation to his new station in Norfolk, Virginia, beginning another chapter of their life together. In 1987, they welcomed their daughter, Marissa. Charles and Lucy shared more than four decades of marriage filled with love, family, friendship, and countless memories.

Charles had a deep love of storytelling and writing. He was a published author, having written a textbook on Six Sigma management techniques as well as his autobiography, Memoirs of a Meandering Marine. Through his writing, Charles was able to share not only his knowledge and professional experience, but also the stories, humor, adventures, and lessons that defined his remarkable life.

Music was another of Charles’s great passions. He possessed a wonderful singing voice and found great joy in singing at church, with family, and with friends. His Catholic faith was an important part of his life, and he spent many years actively involved in Prince of Peace Catholic Church, where he served his parish as an usher and lector.

Above all, Charles treasured the people in his life. He maintained lifelong friendships with people from his childhood, his years at the Naval Academy, including his fellow members of the USNA 31st Company, and his Marine Corps career. He loved sharing stories, jokes, laughter, and memories with those around him, and he remained close to many of these friends until his final days. Charles had a gift for making people feel welcome and connected, and his stories and sense of humor brought joy to those fortunate enough to know him.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Lucy Carroll; his daughters, Angela Nightengale and Marissa Carroll (Biniam Tesfai); and the many family members and friends whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George A. Carroll and Elizabeth “Betty” (Reilly) Carroll, and his brother, George J. Carroll.

Charles will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his honorable service to his country, his love of music and storytelling, his enduring friendships, and the warmth and humor he brought to the lives of those around him. His journey may have meandered, as he described it himself, but it was a life richly lived, filled with purpose, love, service, and unforgettable stories.

Charles will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a future ceremony with military honors.

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