Richard Cole Carnes

Richard Cole Carnes passed away on December 11, 2025, of a heart attack after enjoying 100 years of good health. He was born in San Antonio on August 3, 1925, to Webb M. Carnes and Zora Henson Carnes, and grew up on Agarita Street in San Antonio’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School and attending Rice University for a year, he served in the Navy, attaining the rank of ensign, and was discharged in 1946. He then finished his undergraduate education at Texas A&M and graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. He met Eleanor Langworthy in Houston in 1943, and in 1949 they were married in a double wedding with her sister Marilyn and brother-in-law Austin. They celebrated their 75th anniversary in 2024, with many friends and family members in attendance.

Cole maintained a dental practice in San Antonio for many years. His kind, gentle, and patient manner endeared him to his patients. He was active in the local dental association and was a member and former president of the Alamo Heights Rotary Club.

Cole and Eleanor joined St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in 1954 shortly after its founding. Cole served in many lay leadership positions and sang in the choir. He was a natural actor and played many leading roles with the St. Andrew’s Players and other local troupes. He loved big band and classical music, was an avid reader, and was a devoted fan of his beloved Aggies.

He was proud of his early Texas heritage since the 1820s, with many family members serving in law enforcement including Texas Rangers, Sheriff, and federal law enforcement, and enjoyed charting his genealogy and telling stories about his ancestors. He loved nature and the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, and took the family on many camping vacations. In his later years he and Eleanor spent many summers in their home on the St. Lawrence River with extended family.

Cole was known for his gentle nature and sense of humor, and was loved by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his son Richard Jr., daughter Carol Rakowski (Thomas), and son Donald (Patricia), daughter-in-law Tina Carnes, sisters-in-law Elise Low (Brooks) and Maria Langworthy, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, who passed away in February of 2025, his son Douglas N. Carnes, and his brothers Webb M. and James M. Carnes.

Donations in his memory may be made to the National Parks Foundation or Meals on Wheels. A memorial service is to be announced in the future.