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<p>In the “Old Corps,” life at West Point could be trying. Yet some cadets—not very many—found ways to take it all in stride. <em>Carl Anthony Commons</em> was one of the fortunate few, remaining steadfast and cheerful through four demanding years.</p>
<p>Carl was born on April 25, 1948 in Dallas, TX but grew up near Salt Lake City, UT, where he graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1965. On July 1 of that year, Carl reported to West Point and joined the Class of 1969. He spent the next four years living in East Barracks as a member of Company C-1. His C-1 classmates remember him as smart, cheerful, and easygoing, famous for carving out ample time under his “brown boy” and for keeping a watchful eye on the stock market. Yet Carl still managed to keep the Academic Board at bay. </p>
<p>In his spare moments, Carl worked on the staff of the <em>Howitzer</em> and of the Pointer humor magazine. He also devoted considerable energy to courting the woman destined to be his lifelong love. Carl began dating Vicki at the beginning of yearling year on August 13, 1966, an encounter subsequently memorialized on his Facebook page as a significant “life event.” Carl married Vicki during June Week immediately following graduation, one of the very first members of his class to get hitched. Carl and Vicki also presided over an informal matchmaking service of sorts, arranging blind dates for C-1 classmates. On two occasions, the couples they “fixed up” ended up getting married! </p>
<p>At graduation, Carl was commissioned in the Field Artillery and was posted to Fort Riley, KS with the 1st Infantry Division. In 1971, soon after achieving the rank of captain, he resigned his commission and took a position as a program manager with Electronic Data Systems (EDS). He remained with EDS for many years, a career that entailed moves to Iran, Kuwait, the United Kingdom and eventually to Cleveland, OH. After retiring from EDS, Carl and Vicki settled in Aiken, SC. But Carl was not content with the life of leisure. He became a real estate agent with a focus on first generation Hispanic Americans. He aspired to help them to integrate into American life. The materials he used to introduce himself to prospective clients reiterated the principles that guided his life: “My business is defined by my core values: faith, family and community.”</p>
<p>Carl and Vicki were the proud parents of three sons: Carl Commons Jr., Michael Commons, and the late Donald Commons. Also surviving Carl are two cherished grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Being the family patriarch brought Carl great joy. </p>
<p>Faith held a central place in Carl’s life. In a 2022 Facebook posting, he wrote, “My relationship with God is the most important thing in my life.” In Aiken, he was instrumental in founding the Ebenezer Nazarene Church. Before a heart condition slowed him down, he devoted himself to a range of volunteer activities. He started a mission to support the local homeless population and provided an informal “Uber” service for people looking for jobs. A classmate writes that, in retirement “Carl was all about serving Christ through serving others.”</p>
<p>Near the end of his life, while in the hospital, Carl expressed his thanks for his doctors and nurses, the ability to use Zoom to attend church services, and the friends and family who showed their love for him through their prayers. He concluded, “At this point I will trust myself in God’s care.”</p>
<p>Much of Carl’s life story was forged during his four years at West Point. On the occasion of the 50-year reunion of his class, he reminisced about the impact of West Point on his life: “The three-legged stool of Duty, Honor, Country provides a solid base for a productive life.” In many important but unheralded ways, Carl’s life was exceptionally productive.</p>
<p>Carl Commons passed away in Aiken on October 18, 2024 at age 76. Rest in peace, old friend.</p>
<p><em>— C-1 Classmates</em></p>
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