Marion Carnes

Dr. Marion Martin Carnes died Monday, August 20, 2012, of cancer, in Durango, Colo. He was 92. Dr. Carnes moved to Durango in 1969, and he lived in the Hermosa area for 42 years. Dr. Carnes was born December 11, 1919, in Coffeyville, Kan., the son of Marion and Katherine Carnes. The family lived for many years in Manitou Springs, Colo. He graduated from U.S. Navy Hospital Corps School January 12, 1940, in San Diego, Calif. In 1946 he graduated from Moberly Junior College in Moberly, Mo. He received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado University in 1949, and then went on to graduate from Colorado University Medical School in June 1952. He was a member of Beta Mu chapter of Sigma Chi, Alpha Epsilon Delta Honorary Pre-med fraternity and Phi Rho Sigma Grand Chapter. He served in the U.S. Navy as Chief Pharmacist's Mate from Sept 8, 1939, to January 4, 1946, and in the U.S. Army as an Anesthesiologist until July 20, 1962. He was stationed in Sydney, Australia, during WWII. He married Mac Beth Hudson on March 19, 1951, in Branson, Colo. He worked as an anesthesiologist in Wheat Ridge, Colo., then in Durango until his retirement in August 1986. Marion had a fantastic sense of humor. He was often involved in roasts for the Durango Medical community and put a lot of effort into preparation. He touched the lives of many people and made each person feel special. He was kind and considerate of all. He and Mac raised bulldogs, then golden retrievers. He was an avid reader and faithfully did the Friday Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle weekly. He enjoyed golf, skiing and camping. In his later years his constant companions were his dogs Poco, a Welsh Corgi, then Sparky, a Pomeranian. He was very happily married to Mac for 49 years. His widower years were made pleasant by many friends that became very close to Marion. They enjoyed their walks (which contributed to his longevity), good conversation and cards. He played in different bridge groups in the Durango area. He is survived by his son Don Carnes and his wife Cindy, his grandchildren Doug Carnes and significant friend Nikki Nolan, Sam Carnes and wife Ashley, and great-granddaughter McKenna, all of Sioux City, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mac, on July 30, 2000, his parents, and his brothers Carden, Henry and Jerry. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, August 31, 2012, at the Durango Public Library. Food and beverages will be provided by the family after the memorial service at the Durango Public Library. Donations may be made in Marion’s name to the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 S. Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303.