Verl Ann Carnes

Verl Ann Carnes passed quietly to heaven on June 15, 2026. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 29, 1937, she moved to southern Allen County as a young girl and resided there the rest of her life. She was a graduate of Hoagland High School. Ann’s only ambition was to serve the Lord in any way she possibly could. To this end, she went on to study church music, liturgy and painting at IPFW, Wesley Seminary in Washington D.C., and Garrett Seminary in Evanston, IL. Ann spent most of her working years serving through area churches. She served local churches, plus a number of years on United Methodist District and Conference Boards of Ministry. Ann retired from Poe United Methodist Church after 30 years as music director, organist and worship resource person, visual artist, Bible teacher and secretary. She studied and attained professional certification in church music from the United Methodist Church in 1983. Ann used her teaching and artistic skills in area churches as well as doing custom paintings for many people. To afford her studies, she worked part-time over 40 years and retired from Montgomery Ward and St. Joseph Hospital.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Gary Edward Carnes; parents, Donald Lee and Ruth Bernice (Clark) Chaffin; and her sister Frances Joan Ehlen.

Survivors include daughters Kathryn Joan Bennett (Craig) of Bloomington, IN and Karen Ann Peck (John) of Ossian, IN; and two sons: Gregory Edward Carnes (Michelle) of Florida and Brian Douglas Carnes (Vanessia) of Indianapolis, IN. Surviving also are 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First Wayne United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN on July 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM.