Kenneth Carnes

Kenneth Clyde Carnes, 64, of Aurora died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at the Memorial Hospital in Aurora.

Kenneth Clyde Carnes, the son of Clyde and Maxine (Fenster) Carnes, was born July 28, 1945, in Aurora. Ken grew up in Hamilton County and attended School District 56. He graduated from Aurora High School in 1963. Ken helped his father farm and worked in the Sale Barn in Grand Island and Aurora.

He married Susan Ewoldt on Aug. 21, 1965, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grand Island. Ken attended Billings, Mont., School of Auctioneer, graduating in March 1964. In 1981, Ken purchased the business of Third City Livestock in Grand Island where they held cattle, sheep and hog auctions until 2002. Ken also was a real estate salesman and broker. He opened Carnes Realty and Auction in June 1998. Ken closed the business due to his health, while still managing rentals and sales of a few homes.

Kenneth was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, the National State Auctioneers Association and the Lion’s Club in Marquette and then Aurora. He was a 4-H leader for 10 years, where he was instrumental in getting livestock sales started for 4-H and FFA at the Hamilton County Fair. Ken was the greatest husband, father and loved being a grandpa. He liked to collect belt buckles, bullet pencils and books. Ken loved to read and watch his favorite TV shows and play cards of any kind.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sue Carnes of Aurora; two children, Kendra (Jeff) Ostermeier of Grand Island and K.C. (Kelle) Carnes of Fremont; mother, Maxine Carnes of Aurora; and four grandchildren, Katelyn Ostermeier, Eric Ostermeier, Mya Carnes and Kye Carnes.

He was preceded in death by his father; infant son, Kris Carnes; and sister, Charlotte Imus.

The funeral was Monday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Aurora with the Revs. Sheryl and Chris Kester Beyer officiating. Interment was in the Aurora Cemetery.

Higby-McQuiston Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary Web site at www.higbymortuary.com.