Owen W. Karnes Sr. (78) of Brownstown

Owen W. Karnes Sr., age 78, of Brownstown, Illinois passed away late Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Vandalia, Illinois.

The funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo with a one-hour visitation prior to the service.  Jim Giffin will be officiating. Interment will be at Beecher City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the funeral home.  Memorials may go to the Pagel Funeral Homes to help with expenses or the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here

Owen was born on February 21, 1946 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Jeanie Ray “J. R.” and Ruth N. (Starkey) Karnes.  He married Macil E. Sloop on July 7, 1968 in Effingham.  He loved watching WWE, tinkering with small engines, Chevy trucks, and his dogs.  Owen never knew a stranger, loved very deeply, and was always lending a hand to anyone who needed it.  He worked at several different car dealerships over the years.

He is survived by his sons, Owen Karnes Jr. (wife Cathy) of St. Elmo, Lyle Karnes of Brownstown, Ray Karnes (wife Melissa) of St. Elmo, Larry Karnes of Brownstown, Jerry Karnes of Brownstown; daughters, Marla Krueger (fiancé Curt Rogers) of Beecher City, Marcie Smith (husband Jason) of Brownstown, and Melody Morell (husband Brandon) of Brownstown; brothers, Stanley Karnes (wife Rita) of Monticello, Russell Karnes (wife Betty) of Monticello, Ivan Karnes (wife Elaine) of St. Elmo, Donald Karnes of Shelbyville, Irvin Karnes (wife Wanda) of Tower Hill, and Danny Karnes (wife Nancy) of Pana; 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanie Ray and Ruth Karnes; wife, Macil Karnes; brothers, Joe Karnes, Elbert Karnes, and Charles Karnes; sisters. Freida Yakel and Lorena Smith; and grandchildren, Larry Michael Krueger and Lana Morell.