Ozell Cecil Carnes, 90, passed away Saturday afternoon on November 1 at his home in University City. He was born in Somerville, Tennessee, in 1918 and later moved to St. Louis. Mr. Carnes was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was a longtime business, civic leader, volunteer and community activist.
He retired from the federal government after 31 years of service and was a member of the West Side Missionary Baptist Church since 1952, serving as a deacon, district captain, group leader, and fundraising chair person in addition to other leadership positions.
Mr. Carnes served on the boards of Mound City Bank, Scott Credit Union (formally the Granite City Credit Union), Cochran Neighborhood Association, Grace Hill Health Center and the University City Park Commission.
Ozell managed West Side Community Gardens and was president of the Partridge Heights Neighborhood Association.
You could always count of Mr. Carnes for sound advice and direction which he would freely give. He was generous and assisted many in need of housing and employment. Mr. Carnes was instrumental in the development of young minds through his leadership in Junior Achievement and Boys Scouts of America.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruby and Frank Carnes.
Mr. Carnes is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sarah (Hollinshed) Carnes. He was the devoted father of 14 children: Monroe Carnes, Freddie Carnes (deceased), Rozell (Carnes) McClellon, Carolyn (Carnes) Hayes, Jackie (Carnes) Rhymes, Sandra (Carnes) Harden, Deborah Carnes, Rosemary (Carnes) Bruce, Ozell C. Carnes Jr., Pamela Carnes, Patrick Carnes, Stephanie (Carnes) Keeler, Elaine (Carnes) James, and Maria (Carnes) Burton.
He was a loving grandfather to 26 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.
Visitations will be held on Friday, leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space leave space.