Charles J. "Red" Carman, 92 of Sandusky, died Friday morning, October 30, 2015, in Admiral's Pointe Nursing Home, Huron.

He was born on June 11, 1923, in Sandusky, to the late Clarence A. Carman, Sr. and Nannie M. Carman.

In 2001, Red was diagnosed with prostate cancer. By the grace of God and multiple radiation treatments, he beat cancer but was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2002. From 2003 until his death, he resided in the Commons of Providence Specialized Living Unit and Admiral's Pointe.

Charles was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church.

Red was one of thirteen children. The Carman family was a very studious and musical family, and Red was no exception. At an early age, like many of his other siblings, he studied the piano. Then, Red took up the clarinet and later found his true calling on the saxophone.

Red took his horn everywhere with him. During his younger years, he traveled the country and the world playing his sax. A jazz legend in his own right, he performed with jazz greats, the Ink Spots, Dizzie Gillespie, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few. Red returned to Sandusky when his mother reached her golden years. Upon his return to Sandusky, he formed his own jazz band that played gigs locally and worked as the manager of the State Liquor Store in downtown Sandusky until his retirement.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Verenna Carman, Sandusky, OH, sister-in-law, Carmen Carman, Columbus, OH, sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Calvin Singleton, Sr., Cleveland Heights, OH, and sister, Edith Morrison, Covington, GA, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents and siblings, Helen Hendrix, Ripley Carman, Ruby Espinosa, William Carman, Mary Baker, Theodore Carman, Luby Carman, and twins, Mittie and Millicent Carman.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 2 P.M. in Second Baptist Church, 315 Decatur St., Sandusky. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Red's name may be made to Second Baptist Church.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling the arrangements.