Dr. Calvin C. Carmen

Obituary For Dr. Calvin C. Carmen

Dr. Calvin Charles Carmen, 85, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 peacefully at his home in Bowie, TX, surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Carmen was born November 8, 1939 in Niagara Falls, Ont., to Florence Delia and Charles Carmen. Dr. Carmen attended New York schools until 1957 when he dropped out to join the Navy at just 17 years old. While in the Navy, he completed high school and was selected for Officer Candidate School. He graduated with the rank of second lieutenant and served as a communications officer aboard the naval battleship USS Hailey for four years. He later served as a naval reserve chaplain. Dr. Carmen received his bachelor’s and master's degrees from Central Bible College, and his Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO. He then earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Union Graduate School. As a clinical psychology intern at the Tufts University Behavioral Health Unit in Boston, MA, he received a commendation for outstanding service to his patients. He completed his postgraduate studies at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. Dr. Carmen served as pastor of South Park United Methodist Church in Buffalo, NY for nine years, and was pastor at Plymouth Bay Assembly of God in Pembroke, MA for an additional nine years. Dr. Carmen then accepted the position of Clinical Director at Houston Medical Center. From there, he established Dr. Carmen and Associates, a practice serving the greater Houston area. He was then called to initiate a graduate counseling and psychology program at Nelson University (formerly Southwestern) in Waxahachie, TX. There, he authored textbooks on counseling, psychology, and the Christian faith. As a teacher, he was beloved by his students not just for his knowledge but for his great wit. Nelson University awarded Dr. Carmen both the distinguished professor award and professor emeritus award. He was a member of The American Association for Counseling and Development, the Christian Counselors of Texas, the American Psychological Association, and Psi Chi, National Honor Society. Dr. Carmen served several years as a member of the Texas state board of certification for licensed professional counselors. At his passing, he was the associate pastor of Bowie First Methodist Church. Dr. Carmen’s life was well-spent in service and ministry to God’s people.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Carmen.

He is survived by his wife Annette (née Gruppo) Carmen, daughter Noelle Carmen, son Benjamin Carmen, and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Bowie First Methodist Church on Saturday, April 26 at 2PM.

Internment will be at the DFW Military Cemetery.

Arrangements through the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, TX. Donations will be gratefully accepted to Nelson University on behalf of the Dr. Calvin C. Carmen Counseling and Psychology Scholarship Fund online at www.nelson.edu/give