Walter Robert Carnes

Walter Robert Carnes (Bob), 91, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, with his loving wife, Kathy, by his side. Bob was born April 19, 1932, to the late Walter and Esther Carnes. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Carnes.

Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathleen McGowan-Carnes; sons, Wilder Douglas Carnes and Richard Carnes and his first wife and mother of his sons, Dorthea Carnes Wattleworth; grandchildren, Taylor Carnes, Paige Carnes, Ashley Carnes, Wilder Cooper Carnes, Cathleen Carnes, and Christen Carnes; daughters-in-law, Rebecca Carnes, Susan Carnes and Pamela Feroleto; step-grandchildren, Lucia Rodriguez and Alex Rodriguez; and CarolinaEast Thera-Paws fur-baby, Daisy Carnes.

Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York and spent most of his childhood on Staten Island before moving to Bridgeport, Connecticut with his family. He is a graduate of Bassick High School and received his B.S. in Engineering from the University of Bridgeport.

Before starting his career, Bob joined the Navy. He completed a world tour on the USS Hale (DD-642), Fletcher-class destroyer, and received the Order of Magellan.

During his career, Bob held senior engineering and management positions with CBS Laboratories, Perkin Elmer, American Banknote and American Express. He worked with Nobel laureate, Dennis Gabor, on holography and laser projects and a number of NASA programs including the Lunar Explorer, Apollo and the Hubble Telescope. Later in his career, Bob joined the U.S. Department of State as Diplomatic Security Officer. He also owned his own security gauge and security consulting businesses. As a security advisor and consultant, he specialized in technical countermeasures, analysis and applications and held top security clearances in the U.S. government.

Kathy often referred to Bob as her “Renaissance Man” recognizing his broad interests and talents across the fields of science, technology, art, music, history, aviation, boating and tennis. Bob was an active pilot and flight instructor for over 60 years achieving Certified Flight Instructor for instruments and multi-engine and his commercial pilot rating. He helped to train a number of commercial airline pilots. From Newfoundland to the Bahamas, Bob and his family enjoyed many exciting flying trips in single and multi-engine aircraft.

Bob stayed active in retirement. As a volunteer for Guardian ad Litem, he helped place a number of Eastern North Carolina children in safe home environments through foster care and adoption. In 2015, at the age of 83, Bob earned his Master’s Certificate in Political Science Security Studies from ECU (Eastern Carolina University). In 2016, the FAA presented Bob with the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award for over 50 years of consecutive flying.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Walter Robert Carnes (Bob). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Carnes family.