Tribute

Charles (Chuck) Alfred Carnes passed away peacefully at 9 a.m. on January 7, 2017, at the age of 81 years. Born in Pasco on May 21, 1935, to Alfred and Pearl Carnes, Chuck passed away after a three-and-a-half-year battle with kidney failure while in Odessa Memorial Hospital.

Chuck is survived by his wife Irene of Odessa, sister Carol (Bob) Hale of Kettle Falls, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, in addition to three brothers-in-law: Ron (Jerrene) Ramm, Jack Ramm and Fred Ramm.

He was predeceased by his parents and two nephews, Randy Glasser and Albert Ramm Fox.

He grew up in Bangor near the U.S. Naval Base and Valley, Wash. He attended Valley High School while working with his father and uncle in logging.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 17. He trained in Special Forces. Chuck worked in very dangerous situations with amphibious and ground recon for troop deployment. He was stationed in Korea and Japan. Chuck was a proud military man. After serving his country he was honorably discharged in 1956, then returned home to Chewelah, Wash. and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara McDoogle. They lived in the Seattle area where Chuck drove for Union 174 for Consolidated Freight Lines.

Chuck owned several businesses. In 1965, Chuck and Barbara purchased a popular restaurant, Smith's Cafe, and became partners in the Odessa Grocery store with several of his good friends; the store later burned down. In 1968, he became single, and he let go of the restaurant.

He met his second wife, Marjorie Irene Ramm, in 1970. With the help of Pastor Cronrath they were married in Spokane on Irene's birthday, April 4, 1976. During this time he started C.A. Carnes excavating company and Amms/Oil Synthetic Lubricants. They were direct jobbers.

Chuck's proudest moment was becoming a born-again Christian in 1974. In 1985, he and Irene moved to Seattle, where he drove asphalt trucks for the Local Union 174 and many trucking companies and she was a waitress until they both retired in 2003 and returned to Odessa where they happily reside near family.

Chuck loved his new family and spent many hours with them. Holidays were the most fun for him because kids were a big part of Chuck's life. Starting with raising his niece Jean Mosier from Chuck's first marriage, to graduation. For years Chuck and Irene worked with the Junior Miss program. Chuck and Irene became caregivers for Fred and Cheryl's family when Fred's youngest son Albert was very sick, and they helped them for 22 years.

A memorial service will be announced in spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Odessa. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, is caring for the family.