Clarence K. Karnes

Clarence K Karnes passed away on Sunday February 22nd, 2026, at the age of 79 years old at home. He was born in Campbell County, KY. On July 10th, 1946, to his parents Oliver A. Karnes Sr. and Melvina E. Karnes of Dayton, KY. 

Clarence led a quiet but dedicated life full of service, education and commitment to his family and career. After graduating from Dayton High School, He bravely entered the military and proudly served his country in the United Stated Army. He was a Specialist 5 with the 330th Radio Agency / Army Security Agency. Clarence began his time in the Army stationed in Kassel Germany then he requested to be sent to Vietnam, his request was approved and was stationed in Pleiku Vietnam where he served the remainder of his Army career. His dedication and sacrifice as a Combat Vet will always be remembered and cherished. Following his military service Clarence returned home and began working for CSX Railroad where he was a devoted employee for 14 years. During that time, he met the love of his life Donna G. Bandy on a blind date, and he proposed after a short courtship. They wed on October 20th, 1973, and built a future together in Ludlow, KY. Clarence continued his service by becoming a member of the Ludlow Volunteer Fire Department where he served for 5 years on the department as an EMT / Firefighter working his way up to Lieutenant. Clarence was also passionate about continuing his education and enrolled in college where he earned multiple degrees from Cincinnati Technical College (now Cincinnati State) and Northern Kentucky University. These degrees enabled him to pursue his passion of becoming a Respiratory Therapist. Clarence was employed with Deaconess Hospital for 14 years before making the transition to neonatal / pediatric medicine specializing in children with trachs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center where he received many accolades one being Practitioner of the Year for the state of OH. in 2008 from the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care. An award bestowed upon a Respiratory Therapist who exemplified leadership, performance, initiative and professionalism to their discipline of Respiratory Care and to his / her institution and community at large. He was an active member of AARC (American Association of Respiratory Care) and he also continued his service by signing up with the Department of Health and Human Services in 2007 to be called to duty as a Respiratory Therapist in times of crisis in the United States. After 14 years with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Clarence retired. Clarence also volunteered his time at University of Cincinnati working in the Taxonomic Monograph of Mosses field of study and did illustrations or SEM images that were later published in September 2004.

Outside of his professional life Clarence was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Clarence found immense joy in woodworking and practicing his craft regularly, building or fixing items for his home or gifts for his family members. Clarence also enjoyed tending to his garden and going on yearly summer fishing trips to Tennessee with his family. Though Clarence excelled at his career, education and service, nothing gave him more pleasure than the family and life that he and his wife Donna created together.

Clarence’s memory will fondly be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is leaving a vacancy that can never be filled.

Clarence is proceeded in death by his wife Donna G. Karnes 4/18/2020

Survivors include his daughters Heather (Brad) Ladanyi of Ludlow, KY. and Laura Karnes of Ludlow, KY. grandchildren Miranda (Corey) Thompson of Burlington, KY., Cori (Spencer) Holbrook of Grove City, OH. and great-grandson’s Carson Thompson of Burlington, KY. and soon to be Nolan Holbrook of Grove City, OH.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from10:00am to the hour of service at 11:30am all at Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home 316 Elm Street Ludlow, KY. 41016.

Interment with Military Honors will be at Floral Hill Cemetery 5336 Old Taylor Mill Road Covington, KY. 41015.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Ludlow Fire Department 234 Oak Street Ludlow, KY. 41016.

Clarence will not only be remembered for his service, career and accomplishments but for all that he instilled in his family.

In our hearts forever, may he forever rest in peace.