Ralph Karnes, 72

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Ralph Edward Karnes, 72, of Hillsboro died at 8:28 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016, at his residence.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at his wife's house, 1311 Ash St. in Hillsboro, with the Rev. James Hayes, pastor of St. James Baptist Church in Hillsboro, officiating. Military rites will be accorded.

Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Karnes was born in Columbus, OH, on July 1, 1943, the son of the late Ralph H. Karnes and Pearl M. (Marks) Karnes Hayes and stepfather Martin Hayes. He married Sharon Chumley in Taylor Springs on Sept. 24, 1972, and she survives in Hillsboro.

He lived in Hillsboro during his lifetime, graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1961. He also attended SIUE for three years. He was a coal miner and worked for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as a coal mine inspector.

Mr. Karnes served in the United States Army for three years, where he was a paratrooper. He was a member of Hillsboro Moose Lodge #1377 and American Legion Post #153. He was an avid coin collector, hunter, scuba diver, fisherman and was a brown belt in tae kwon do.

He is survived by his sister, Diane (husband George) Cerutti of Irving; stepsisters, Peggy (husband Roger) Whitehouse and Evelyn German, both of Hillsboro; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mr. Karnes was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Kinder; stepsister, Kay Fraelle; half sister, Lyn Veach; and nephew, Steve Kinder.

Memorials may be made to the Montgomery County Cancer Association or Paws Care.

Send condolences online to basspattondeanfh.com.