Carroll M. Vowels

Carroll Martin Vowels, born on September 27, 1934, in Wyatt, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at his apartment in Caretta Senior Living in Eau Claire. He was 91 years old.

He was the son of Luther and Pauline Vowels. Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Sue Fox and a great grandson Cooper Maloney.

Carroll graduated from Charleston High School, Charleston, Missouri in 1952. He attended the University of Missouri earning a degree in Agriculture, graduating in 1956. Carroll served in the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant from 1956 to 1960, and then in the Air Force Reserves until 1966.  After discharge from the Air Force in 1960, he took a job with Swift Company in agriculture chemical sales. In 1962 he took a job with Traveler’s Insurance Company, working in St Paul, MN and St Louis, MO. In 1966 he joined The Minton Insurance Agency in Eau Claire where he worked until retiring in 1997.  While at the agency he achieved the designation of a Chartered Life Underwriter. He gave back to the community through extensive volunteer work for his church and for the Optimist Club. He was always known for his hard work and dedication.

On December 27, 1957, Carroll married Sandra Sylvester, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. He was a devoted husband, a loving family man, and a friend to many. Carroll enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, sons Steven (Janice) of Marco Island, FL and David (Mary) of White Bear Lake, MN. Carroll was blessed with five grandchildren, Erik Vowels (Anushka) of Sunshine West, Victoria Australia, Sarah Miracle (Brendan) of Littleton, CO, Abby Maloney (Brandon) of Winsted, MN, Michael Vowels (Victoria) of Oakdale, MN, and Mark Vowels of White Bear Lake, MN. Carroll had four great-grandchildren, Ishara and Indika Vowels, and Isabella Maloney.

Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake St, Eau Claire, WI, with Pastor Jerry Morris officiating. Lunch will follow the service. Visitation will take place at the church Wednesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A private family internment with military honors will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date.

A special thanks is extended to the entire staff at Caretta and St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion.

Memorials to Lake Street United Methodist Church are preferred to flowers.

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