Paul J. Carnes

To know of Paul’s associations and activities is to know him, with service to others his hallmark. He graduated from Hebron Elementary (1942), Bosse High School (1946) and University of Evansville (1950), where he was a member of Phi Zeta fraternity. While finishing his studies at UE (then Evansville College), he worked at Kent Plastics, where he continued working until 1963.

After college, he served his country through military service (USAF): he did boot camp at Sampson AFB, Geneva, NY; Officer Candidate School at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX (commissioned a Second Lieutenant); and an Intelligence Officer Course at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO. He was stationed at Rapid City AFB, SD, where he served in the SAC Photo Reconnaissance Wing as an intelligence officer aboard a B-36 Peacemaker, flying reconnaissance missions over Manchuria during the Korean War. While at Rapid City AFB, he served as leader of Boy Scout Troop 28. His final duty station was March AFB in California. His most fruitful reconnaissance mission came when he spotted a beautiful young nurse in Denver by the name of Marlys Lund,Hayward, WI, who would become his wife.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he married Marlys (1954) and they settled in Evansville to start a family. After leaving Kent Plastics (1963), Paul started his own businesses: Carnes, Inc. (represented Dri-Print Foils); AIMAC (purchased Boettcher Engineering, 1975); and Decorating Supplies & Equipment (1983). His legacy at Decorating Supplies continues through his son Mark Carnes as company President and his grandson Justin Carnes, VP.

Paul was actively involved in his children’s swimming activities through several local swim clubs: Evansville YMCA Aquatic Club; Southwesterm Indiana Mantas; and UE Aquatic Club. He served as meet director at the Evansville Invitational (1972) at Hartke Olympic Pool. That year the invitational had been designated a pre-Olympic trial qualifying meet by the U.S. Olympic Competition Committee. In 1975-76 he served as president of AAU multi sport organization for the state of Indiana, promoting competitive and development opportunities for youth swimmers. In 1981, Paul and Al Harding worked with Bill Butterfield (former owner, Tri-State Racquet Club) in putting a bubble over the club’s pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The pool would serve as the winter training facility for the Tri-State Tiger Sharks.

No obituary about Paul would be complete without mentioning service to his church and his Lord Jesus Christ. He was baptized (1928) and confirmed (1942) at Bethel UCC (the original church). Through the majority of the 1970s, Paul and Marlys attended St. John’s East UCC, where their children were confirmed. He served at St. John’s church in leading adult & youth studies including memorable ski trips to northern Wisconsin. In his later adult years he attended Christian Fellowship Church (CFC).

After his wife Marlys passed away, one might think a widower would shrink into solitude. Not so with Paul, who seemed to shift into a gear of high energy. He helped CFC develop an outreach program serving the spiritual needs of seniors by bringing sermons and music to those at Primrose, Riverpointe and Heritage Woods facilities The support and fellowship of the staff at Christian Fellowship Church were both a source and object of love for Paul.

He enjoyed woodcarving until arthritis wouldn’t let him hold his Dremel tool anymore. He planted tomato gardens each year, sharing the fruits of his efforts with residents at summer’s end. He was always looking for a chess or checkers partner to teach or play, with his final games against Hudson, and great-grandchildren Audrey, Amelia and Will.

The extended Carnes family would like to thank Alexander East Funeral Home for their very respectful gesture of draping Paul’s body with an American flag and playing Taps as he left Riverpointe for the last time. We’d also like to thank the staff at Primrose and Riverpointe for their attentive care to him. St. Croix Hospice was most helpful in caring for him in his final hours.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marlys (Lund) Carnes. He is survived by his five children: Mark (Debbie) Carnes of Evansville; Brian (Jiffy) Carnes of Stuart, FL; Jennifer (Mark) Dornseif of Indialantic, FL; David Carnes of Charlottesville, VA; Sarah (Pat) Taylor of Zionsville, IN; seven grandchildren: Justin (Kat) Carnes of Evansville; Ian (Alaina) Carnes of Gainesville, FL; Jonathan (Anna) Dornseif of Waunakee, WI; Chelsea (Joe) Bixby of Cypress, TX; Emily Taylor of West Lafayette, IN; Morgan Taylor of Christiansburg, VA; Luke Taylor of Carmel, IN; and six great grandchildren with 2 more to come: Audrey, Amelia, William and Owen Dornseif, all of Waunakee, WI; Silas and Hilde Rae Bixby of Houston.

There will be a graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery, Saturday August 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception following at Christian Fellowship Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Rd., Evansville, IN, 47725

Condolences may be offered online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.