Member Experience

The Carnahan Family

The Carnahan family greatly values the Wichita Country Club and everything it has to offer, but more importantly the Club has served as a place for family, fun and life long friendships. The Carnahans share special memories, dating back almost 100 years, when Merle K. Bennett, Cindy’s grandfather, became a member of WCC. In 1947, Cindy Carnahan’s parents joined WCC, and John’s parents were also members, joining in 1948. As a child, Cindy remembers spending her summers at the Pool with Buddy and Joe Seagle, swim team meets with trophies and ribbons, learning sychronized swimming with Bambie Buck, and family night watching cartoons poolside. July 4th was a special treat and the Club would light the pool on fire as Buddy would dive into the water from a 25 foot platform. She remembers rolling up the rug in the living room, and learning ballroom dancing once a week and dawning her white gloves. The boys would bow to “May I have this dance, the girls response...I’d be delighted” The piano bar with Klaus, singing along and dancing with her dad to Doris and Leonard Buss playing Cole Porter. Cindy’s mother, Colonel Clarke was a fixture in the ladies cardroom. Cindy reported on a form at school, that in fact, that was where her mother worked. Playing Gin Rummy and Bridge…682-5566 “ladies card room please”, Cindy would say…”is my mother there?”

In 1973, John joined the Club as a Junior member. John and Cindy were sure to have crossed paths numerous times before now as both of their families belonged to the Club their entire lives. The two did not meet until 1975 when Cindy’s Aunt Lucy Deck ,also a member of the Club, set them up on a blind date. Cindy and John were married October 27, 1979. Amos Conde, the Matre d, shared with Cindy that he had to put up a sign up sheet for the waiters and waitresses to serve for the reception. The long time employees had watched the couple grow up at the Club and wanted to be there that evening.

Clarke Carnahan is now a 4th generation Junior member. He also has fond memories of growing up at WCC. As an avid golfer, Clarke spent many summers out on the course. Getting his bag tag, walking from Wichita Collegiate after school to hit 100’s of balls…it was always his sport. He grew up on the “Club Sandwich”, which he would order on the 18th hole from Shirley in the grill. “Your usual Clarke?” She would say. In 2010, Clarke moved back to Wichita from Dallas, Texas to become a Realtor with his mom. Clarke quickly joined the Club as a Junior member. Today he enjoys every facit of the club’s facilities, from the workout center, the swimming pool, the steam room, dinner to go or dinner with friends, bingo, and of course his first love….golf!

The Carnahan’s are sure to leave a lasting legacy at the Wichita Country Club, and we are thankful for families such as theirs.