Michael “Mike” M. Karnes
Michael “Mike” M. Karnes, age 88, of LaGrange. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years Betty (nee Hooks) Karnes, by his parents Vera Karnes Sinel and Ernest Karnes, and by Cletus Amos Sinel, who raised Mike as a loving parent after the death of Ernest. Devoted father of Nona (Gary) Massengill and John Karnes. “Papa” to Christian and Daniel Massengill. Cherished cousin and friend. Dear uncle to many.
Mike served in Korea as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He attended the University of Chicago, where he received his M.B.A., and enjoyed a long career in the banking industry thereafter. Mike encouraged his children and grandchildren to enjoy learning, and fostered in them a great love of reading, music, and art. Most important to Mike was spending time with his family – creating countless happy memories that sustain his family now.
Visitation Friday, January 7th 9am until time of 11am funeral service at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Interment to follow at Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park, Willow Springs. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to either of the following organizations: Smile Train or Cristo Rey Richmond (Virginia) High School.
For Funeral Info: (708) 352-6500
Mike was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. I remember Mike for his ease in learning and teaching those around him the importance of family and life long desire to make a difference.
He was always a caring brother in law to me and a great Uncle to my son, Jeffery Hooks.
Blessings and sympathy to Nona and John.
Aunt Karen
Thank you, Aunt Karen!
Happy Remembrance
As a young child I always thought of Mike as Sean Connery – James Bond !❤️!
Every summer when he & Betty would come for a visit they would take me with them to a James Bond Movie !!!
And Ray always enjoyed visiting with Mike at the Palmer House when he was there for a conference …. he could never believe how fast Mike walked so they were always ready for that drink when they sat down to dinner!
We will miss him
Gayle & Ray
Thank you, Gayle & Ray!
Mike was a perfect gentleman and a pleasure to be around. Even tho we did not get to see them on a regular basis, they lived in Lagrange, when they did come home we had a family homecoming. What I most remember about Mike is he could eat the hottest peppers and never break a sweat. The greatest thing I remember is how he loved his Betty and his children and his grandchildren. Sending much love and sympathy to all of the family. We loved Mike and Betty.
Thank you, Aunt Celia!
1/5/22
I had the pleasure of working with Mike in the early 2000s. He was a wise and insightful guy and quite a character. I learned something whenever I talked to Mike and came away from our conversations not only smarter but wiser, with a more reasoned perspective, and, usually, with a reason to laugh or at least smile. My prayers are with the entire family.
Godspeed, my friend.
Thank you!
Hi Nona, the family of your late Paul & Audrey Hooks send condolences & prayers. I know this can br a difficult time & you’re in our thoughts & prayers
As well as for John & extend family. Prayers
John each day will have its challenges but you’re courageous.
Thank you so much!
Nona and John, . . . [Gary, Daniel, and Christian]
From the FIRST time I heard Betty mention Mike, I knew SHE had found the LOVE of her life and I would be looking forward to meeting him as well.
I remember when I visited Betty and Mike when they were living in Gary. They took us over to meet Vera, her husband, and ALL those beautiful dogs.
SO many things I remember about your dad. Of course, first, how much your Mama adored him.
When Max and I visited Chicago, one day we met Mike for lunch. Boy, he enjoyed a good meal and a good drink! When we all were walking away after our lunch, Max and I could BARELY keep up with that guy!
One of the best compliments I ever received was one day when he and Betty were here in Matthews. I was cooking — giving him– some of the biscuits I had just made. [You KNOW whose ‘recipe’ I was following.]
Mike said, “These are NOT the best biscuits I’ve ever eaten, but they are close to the best!”
Will continue sending my love to you all, remembering both your Mama and Daddy.
Love,
Anita
Dear Nona, John, [Gary, Daniel, Christian],
I knew from the very moment I heard Betty tell me about that Marine guy she had just met as she/Mike were walking on the beach at Myrtle Beach that I was going to LIKE him. Can’t remember all the specifics of times following, but I DO remember seeing Betty busy sewing her wedding dress!
Many years after that, I remember when Mama, Daddy, and I visited them when they were living in Gary. Mike was milkman and student in Chicago, and Betty was working for Chicago Tribune, I believe. One afternoon, they took us over to the Sinels to meet Mike’s mom and step-dad AND, of course, ALL those beautiful dogs that they raised and showed.
Another ‘strong’ memory moment was years later when Max and I were in Chicago because of trip he needed to make. We met Mike in one of his favorite restaurants there. Can’t remember exactly WHAT we ate, but can remember your Daddy/Papa eating and drinking heartily.
As we all were walking out of the restaurant, Max and I could BARELY keep up with the fast-walking Mike!
Speaking of eating . . ., I’d like to share one of the BEST compliments I ever received. . . One summer day, of course, when your Mama and Daddy were here in Matthews, visiting us, I had baked biscuits, using just the ‘recipe’ you knew I would be following [Mamaw’s].
As soon as Mike took the first bite, he looked at me and said, “Not the BEST biscuit I’ve ever tasted, . . . but ALMOST the best!”
Like you, I’ll always be remembering and missing your DADDY and MAMA.
Love,
Anita
Thank you, Anita!
I worked with Mike from the mid 90’s until his retirement, and had marveled at his ability to take complex subjects and explain them in very relateable and understandable terms. Mike was direct, plain spoken when he needed to be, and a man of his word.
My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
I’m certain that Mike had a direct and relatable approach to St.Peter as he approached the Heavenly Gates!
: * ) thank you!