Carl Benton Dahms

Scarborough - Carl B. Dahms, Sr., passed away on September 5, 2018 after a short illness surrounded by his family. Carl was born on September 15, 1946 to Ralph Dahms and Sara (Meserve) Dahms in Portland and attended Portland Public Schools. He worked for 50 years in the plumbing business starting with Maine Hardware, Johnson Supply and Redlon & Johnson Plumbing and Heating. Carl retired in December of 2010. After retirement, he took great pleasure working with his nephew flipping houses, putting in head stones and burials. He also did landscaping after work and weekends in his early years with the help of many of his nephews who love to tell stories about working with Uncle Benny. They were very proud to say that he taught them a work ethic, if you have a job to do, do it right. He was best known for his secret stash in his wallet, smoking/chewing cigars and his love of Crown Royal. Carl was an avid hunter and spent each fall hunting with his brother Dick, nephews and great-nephews at the hunting camp in Otisfield. In November of 1982 he became a member of The Biggest Bucks in Maine Club. He was drawn for the Maine Moose Hunt three times and was successful each time. Carl and Beverly were married in 1990 and began a wonderful life together. In 2000 they purchased their second home (camp) in Stratton where he made new friends and enjoyed riding the roads scouting for wildlife. They enjoyed many happy times and shared their home with their children, grandchildren and their friends. Lots of fun was had. What happened at camp stayed at camp. Carl enjoyed snowmobiling and was a member of the Flagstaff Area ATV Club. He spent many hours working on the trails and riding with his friends. Carl helped Terry with his racing career by being his first car owner, he loved going to the local short tracks and was part of the pit crew for him. Not sure he would qualify as a mechanic, but loved to support him. Carl attended many field hockey, softball, baseball and football games for his grandchildren. Family was very important to him. They traveled to Aruba, St. Martin, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and enjoyed traveling with their friends. Carl was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Beverly Dahms and Shirley Dekubber; brothers, Alfred Dahms, Ralph Dahms and Walter Dahms. Carl is survived by his wife Beverly Nelson Dahms; children, Sherry Frost and her partner Deborah Housley, Carl Dahms, Jr., Heidi Dahms; step-son, Terrence Merrill and wife Christine; grandchildren, Ashli Frost, Heather Dahms, Kapriece Dahms, Tyler Landis and Matthew Merrill; great-grandchildren, Teagan McGovern and Deqlyn Frost; sisters, Jean Dahms, Patricia Roberts and Judith Jones; brothers, Richard (Dick) Dahms and Ronald Dahms; as well as a great many nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, September 9 from 2-6PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Celebration of Carl's life will be held on Monday, September 10 at 11AM at the Funeral Home. Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 11 at 11AM at South Gorham Cemetery, Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, Maine Chapter, 477 Congress Street, Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101