William Carnes

Bill Carnes passed away peacefully at Foxwood Springs Care Center April 4, 2008. Memorial services will be held Sat., April 19 at 2 pm, at the First Christian Church in Independence. An additional service will be scheduled at Foxwood Springs at a later date. The family will receive friends beginning at
1 pm, Sat. at the church. Burial with Full Military Honors at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of Bill be made to Fellowship of John c/o Foxwood
Springs Living Center, 1500 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, MO 64083 or to First Christian Church, 125 S. Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050.
Bill was born Sept. 6, 1922 to Caroline Southern and Edward K. Carnes. He resided in Independence, MO most of his life. He attended Bryant Elementary School and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1940.
Bill served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Dec. 8, 1941, while stationed aboard the U. S. S. Portland, he sailed into Pearl Harbor and witnessed the destruction and loss of life in the aftermath of the attack. In July of 1946, while stationed aboard the cruiser U.S. S. Fall River, he was present at Operation Crossroads where atomic weapons were tested at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. He served aboard the World War II cruiser U.S.S. Denver. He achieved the rank of Gunner’s Mate First Class and received and honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy.
Bill was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Independence and received the honor of Deacon Emeritus. He taught the Loyal Laymen class for many years. He was a member of the Tirey J. Ford American Legion Post #21.
Bill was in the retail paint and wallpaper business in the Independence area for most of his career.
Bill was a descendant of two prominent families in Independence history. He was the great-grandson of Reverend Alexander Procter, a pioneer minister who settled in Independence in 1860. Procter was the founder of the First Christian Church and served as its pastor from 1860-1900.
Bill was also the great-grandson of Colonel John N. Southern, a Confederate veteran who settled in Independence in 1866. He was a well-known attorney and actively practiced law until the age of 82. Bill’s grandfather, Colonel William Southern, Jr. was the publisher and editor of the weekly newspaper the Jackson Examiner, first published in 1898. In 1905, Colonel Southern founded the Independence Examiner, which continues publication today. Bill’s great-uncle was the Honorable Allen C. Southern, an attorney and judge. At the age of 35, he was the youngest circuit court judge in Missouri and served on the Jackson County bench in Independence for over 42 years.
Bill was predeceased by an infant son, Thomas William Carnes; his parents Caroline Southern and Edward K. Carnes; his aunt Mary (May) Southern Wallace; and son-in-law Michael Jones. He is survived by his best friend and companion Mary Ellen Carnes, Independence; their children Jane Ellen Carnes Jones, Overland Park, KS; William Neil Carnes and wife Ruth; John Charles Carnes; Caroline Grace Carnes Gnefkow and husband Bill, all of Independence; eight grandchildren: Andy Carnes and wife Rebecca, Justin Carnes and wife Neda, Sally Carnes, Jessica Jones, Janelle Jones, Megan Carnes, Alexander Carnes and Allison Carnes; a great-granddaughter Lynsey Carnes; brother Dr. Victor Metcalfe Carnes and wife Frieda, Durham, NC; a niece and two nephews.
Bill was a helpful, patient and gentle man. To all who shared his life he leaves a legacy of love, kindness and quiet generosity.