DEFIANCE, OH – Paul E. Karnes, age 86, of Defiance, died on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, after complications from several illnesses. He was born on February 9, 1937, in Defiance, OH to the late Dewey and Vivian Karnes (Tussing). On August 6, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Rita Florence, and began raising a family. Paul worked for Johns Manville as a supervisor, retiring in 1997 after 38 years of service. He was also a devoted member of Bethel Church in Defiance for many, many years. Paul loved fishing, hunting, bowling, and cooking. His family especially loved it when he made his meatballs! He also enjoyed going to church and simply spending time with his family and grandchildren. Those who knew him will remember him as someone who would do anything for you at the drop of a hat; and never complained.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Rita Karnes; children, Mike Hasch, Holly Karnes (Kyle Baden), and Ann (Pete) Worland; brother, Dick (Sue) Karnes; grandchildren, Quintin Fleming (Lexi Ricker), Ashlin Smart, Caitlin Eschbach, Andrew Eschbach, Lilly Worland, Claire Karnes, Emma Karnes, Raina Baden, and Karmeny Baden; great granddaughter, Ellie Ricker, as well as many other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his siblings, Dewey Karnes Jr., Robert Karnes, Wayne Karnes, Betty (Karnes) Nagle, Kenneth Karnes, and Janice Karnes.

Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Bethel Church, 20000 County Rd. 424, Defiance, OH 43512. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023, also at the church, with Pastor Tim Hacker officiating. Family will also receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Myers Cemetery, Defiance, OH. Family requests that instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the church in honor of Paul. For additional information and to view Paul’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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