Mark Louis Carnes

Mark Louis Carnes was born on September 4, 1948, in Urbana, Illinois, to Florence and Rex Carnes. Mark lived a life defined by devotion to his family, service to his community, and a genuine desire to help others.

Growing up in a military family, Mark lived in several places, including England, Spokane, Roswell, and Tucson. He graduated from Rincon High School before continuing his education at the University of Arizona, where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1970 and a master's degree in electrical engineering in 1972. During his academic career, Mark was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society.

On June 6, 1970, Mark married Sally M. Carnes in Tucson, Arizona. In 1972, Mark and Sally moved to Longmont, Colorado, where they built their life together and raised their four children: Aaron, Matthew, Joshua, and Sarah.

Mark enjoyed a long career in electrical engineering and project management, including 43 years with IBM, where his work included facilities and project management.

While Mark was dedicated to his career, his family was always at the center of his life. He was a wonderful and involved father who made it a priority to participate in his children's school and extracurricular activities. Those who knew Mark remember him as a loving and kind man who spent a large portion of his life helping others.

That commitment to service could be seen throughout Mark's life. He was a longtime member of Faith Community Lutheran Church in Longmont where he served as president of the congregation and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins.

Mark also dedicated an extraordinary 53 years as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. He spent approximately 15 years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Master and approximately 5 years volunteering with the Niwot Volunteer Fire Department.

Mark's interests also reflected his engineering background and his concern for the world around him. He was involved with the National Clean Air Race, where he served as a captain for the U of A, from MIT to Caltech in 1970.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Mark loved spending time with his family, working in the yard, and finding ways to help others. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Eagles.

Mark is survived by his wife, Sally M. Carnes; his children, Aaron and his wife Andrea, Matthew, Joshua and his partner Susan, and Sarah; his sister, Rexanne Tucker; and his grandchildren, Ethan Carnes, Taylor Carnes, Nat Carnes, Evie Carnes, Sofia Owner, and Xeron Owner. He is also remembered by his aunt, Linda Lindgren; his great-granddaughter, Eleia Carnes; his close friend, Sherry Benner; and Woody, his devoted service dog of 11 years.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Rex Carnes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am on Friday September 11, 2026 at Good Samaritan Water Valley, 805 Compassion Dr, Windsor, CO 80550.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Canine Partners for Life or Pathways Hospice.