Carl McNulty

Carl E. McNulty, 89, Kokomo, died peacefully in his home, Wednesday, January 15, 2020.  He was born February 14, 1930 in Cass County, Indiana to Charles & Mary (Fiedler) McNulty.  On March 8, 1952 in Walton, Indiana, he married Fran D. Hyman. She preceded him in death August 19, 2019.

Carl was a 1948 graduate of Washington Township High School in Cass County. He was a 1952 graduate of Purdue University and earned a master’s degree in education.  Carl played basketball for Purdue. He was selected as an All-American. During his senior year, he averaged 18 points a game and was a first team all-Big Ten selection. He was a two-time Purdue MVP and set the then single-game scoring record of 36 points against Indiana. He still holds the single-game rebound record of 27, set against Minnesota in 1951. 

Carl was selected in the 1952 NBA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers. He played in a series of games vs. the Harlem Globetrotters, touring the United States as a member of the College All-Stars. His Basketball career was interrupted by his service to his country in the United Sates Navy. After completing his military obligation, he returned to play briefly for the Milwaukee Hawks.  Carl’s athleticism was evident in his 44-year fastpitch softball career.  He was one of the state’s premier fastpitch softball pitchers. It is estimated he threw 100 no-hitters.

Carl will be best remembered as Kokomo's 18th head basketball coach. He led the Kats a record 18 seasons (1968-1986). His 256 Kokomo wins and 13 sectional titles are the highlight of a 29-year coaching career, achieving a record of 413 wins.  Carl was named a member of the Indiana Basketball and Howard County Sports Halls of Fame.

He was a career educator and touched the lives of countless students.  He was blessed to have many wonderful friendships with former students that have lasted to this day. Carl will be remembered by many of his students as their driver’s education instructor.

Carl is survived by his children, Brad (Lissa) McNulty, Indianapolis, Stan (Sandy) McNulty, Kokomo, Holly (Paul) Schneider, Carmel, and Barry (Ann) McNulty, Noblesville; grandchildren, Matt McNulty, Eric Schneider, Clayton McNulty, Zachary McNulty, Lynn Schneider McGill, Daniel McNulty, Brooke McNulty and Karl Schneider; and six great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by three siblings, Marilyn Hile, Fred (Dawn) McNulty, Mark (Ann) McNulty and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 67 years, Fran McNulty and three brothers, Herb McNulty, Gene McNulty and Wayne McNulty.

Funeral services celebrating Carl’s life will be held at 11 am Monday at Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 S. Apperson Way, with Pastor Brian Cook officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and the Kokomo V.F.W. Military Rites Team.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-6 pm Sunday at the Gymnasium.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carl’s memory to the Carl E. McNulty Scholarship Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Howard County, 215 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN 46901.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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