Coach Johnny Douglas Carnes, age 81, beloved husband, Dad, and Pop Pop departed this life on March 13, 2021. His passage to heaven was peaceful, surrounded by Sherry and his girls, Michelle and Jennifer.
Johnny was born on February 18, 1940 in Brownwood, Texas to Richard A. Carnes and Virginia Morton Carnes. He graduated from Brownwood High School and Howard Payne University.
On June 3, 1961, while still in college, he married his love Sherry Vogel. This June they would have celebrated 60 years together.
Johnny enlisted in the military at the age of 16. He completed OCS at Ft Benning, GA receiving his commission in November 1965 and becoming Unit Commander assigned to HQ Co. 1st Bn of the 36th Infantry. He proudly served his country for 26 ½ years, retiring as a Major.
Johnny’s 31 year career in education included teaching History, Health, PE and Drivers Ed in area schools including Waco, Rancier, Manor, Ellison and Killeen High School.
He was a successful track and football coach at both Killeen and Ellison High School. In 1978, he led the Killeen High School Track team to Killeen’s first ever State Championship followed by another KHS Track State Championship in 1991. His track teams set National records in running times. While at Ellison, Johnny built the track program and won several district and regional titles. As a football coach, he was part of 26 winning football seasons including the 1991 “Roo” State Championship Football team. For a number of years, he took several track athletes (both Killeen and Ellison) to participate in the Golden West Invitational in Sacramento, California.
Johnny was selected as Track Coach of the Year in 1978 by the Texas Sports Writers Association and was awarded Howard Payne University Exes Coach of the year.
In 1991, He received a 25 year membership plaque and a Career Victories Award from Texas High School Coaches Association. He was honored that same year at the Balfour Hall of Honor luncheon. Johnny’s article titled, “The Running Program at Killeen High School” was published in the April 1989 issue of Texas Coaches Magazine.
Johnny’s coaching philosophy always was… “I tried to treat the guys as individuals and to make them think of themselves as winners and hope that carries over (not only to track) but to other things.” He really loved his boys and enjoyed reminiscing about them in his retirement years.
Johnny was a gentle soul with a huge heart for his family, his friends, his fellow coaches and his players. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness and generous nature. Johnny was completely devoted to Sherry, bringing her roses every week including the day he passed. He cherished his two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer, his granddaughters, Jenna and Shelby and grandson, Mason. It was such a thrill for him to watch young Mason excel in sports.
After retirement, Johnny and Sherry enjoyed traveling in the states and Europe, (mostly to visit the grandkids), and enjoyed taking multiple cruises. They had plans to finally get back to traveling after the pandemic. In addition to traveling, Johnny enjoyed golf, fishing, watching John Wayne movies, collecting arrowheads, going out to eat and spending time with his family and friends. Johnny was very creative-designing jewelry, making furniture and bird houses, wood carving and putting together Sherry’s creative ideas.
Johnny was a member of The First United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws and his adored poodle, “Peaches.”
After a lifetime of love and happiness together, left to cherish the precious memories of Johnny are his wife Sherry, daughters Michelle Magness and Jennifer Carnes-White. Son-in-laws COL (ret) Tom Magness IV and James White, grandchildren, Jenna Magness, Shelby Magness and Mason White. Sister, Martha Jane Hutchins, brother, Richard Carnes, nieces and nephews and many friends.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at First United Methodist Church, Killeen Texas at 1:00 p.m., followed by Military Honors at Killeen Veterans Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.
Donations can be made to The Heart Association, St Jude, and Wounded Warriors.
Condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at dignitymemorial.com.
For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on April 23 at 1:00 p.m.
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