Carol Fanning

Carol Louise Fanning, 87, former resident of Bowling Green, Missouri, and recent resident of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully in her residence at Sunridge Village Retirement Community in Omaha on March 2, 2025.

Carol was born January 29, 1938, in Vandalia, Missouri, to Derwood Orval Barnes and Ruby Mae Kellerhall Barnes. She was united in marriage to Franklin Delano Fanning on November 3, 1956. To this union two children, Del and Joni, were born.

Carol graduated from Vandalia High School in 1955. She then attended Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois, for approximately two years. After her marriage to Frank, the couple moved to Louisiana, Missouri, for two years and in 1960 moved to Bowling Green.

Carol worked as a secretary for Senator Edward V. Long for several years, was then employed by McIlroy and Millan Law Firm for a short stint, and in September 1973 began employment at the Community State Bank in Bowling Green retiring in April 2003. She absolutely loved her executive secretary position there for 30 years. She never met a stranger and her bubbly personality shined a light upon all who entered the bank. Her kindness and sometimes teasing mannerisms were enjoyed by all.

Carol participated in Heir Study Club and sang with the Heir Singers. She was an active member of the First Christian Church teaching Sunday school, playing the piano, and singing in the choir for many years. She was an Honorary Rotary member (also the first female Rotarian in the BG group) from 1994 to 2022, playing the piano at most meetings. She thoroughly enjoyed celebrating birthdays with the birthday girls, meeting at Dos Primos for a margarita on Wednesdays, and going to breakfast at MeMe’s. She was also a member of the Happy Red Hatters. Carol never wanted to miss anything and was on the go all the time. Frank and she would take drives on Sunday afternoons just to go get ice cream. They both loved traveling and took many trips together all over the United States.

Carol thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. After much encouragement by friends and family, she made the decision to move to Omaha to be closer to family. She absolutely loved living at Sunridge Village and participated in playing Uno, Rummikub, and Bingo with her new friends. Playing the piano for Song Birds and the Christmas program were highlights in her community living.

Carol is survived by her son, Del Fanning (Teresa) of O’Fallon, Illinois; daughter, Joni Nix (John) of Omaha, Nebraska; granddaughters Melissa Fanning (Jason Garvey) of O’Fallon, Illinois, Courtney Marquiss (Chris) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Emma Hinkle (Parker) of Orlando, Florida; great grandchildren Lily Garvey, Colton Marquiss, and Caleb Marquiss, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at First Christian Church, 15 N. High St., Bowling Green, MO 63334. There will be a visitation 1:00-2:00 PM.

Memorial Donations may be made to the First Christian Church.