Thomas Donald "Tom" Carnes

July 26, 1931 ~ December 22, 2020
Lt. Colonel Thomas Donald “Tom” Carnes passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. He was born in Lexington, KY to Russell and Dorothy Carnes on July 26, 1931. Tom and Jo were married December 24, 1952 shortly after he received his commission in the US Army. Throughout his career he was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY, Ft. Wood in Japan, Ft. Bragg, NC, two tours in Germany, Ft. Benning, GA, Ft. Sill, OK, and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He spent one year in Vietnam where he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal on January 16, 1969 and a Bronze Star on April 19, 1969. When he retired in 1971, he moved to Wichita with his wife, Jo, and their four children. He worked at Center Industries and a small start up company for a short while then found his second career as a Buyer at Boeing. Tom loved to fish and work in his flower gardens. Tom was preceded in death by his father, R.L. Carnes; his mother, Dorothy Carnes; his brother, Charles; his grandson, Jon Paul; and his wife, Jo, of 57 years. He is survived by his children, Bill (Ann), Carolyn (Rick), George (Lynette), and Virginia; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Graveside Service will follow at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Rest Thomas, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. Career U.S. Army.
My dad was an awesome man, he was a man of integrity who was honest about everything. I will miss him very much.
I worked with Tom at Boeing and admired his work ethic and principles. He loved his family and country. After we both retired I would call him on Veterans Day to thank him for his service. Those chats were always interesting.
Thank you for your kind words about my father, he always looked forward to your calls on Veterans Day.