Carl E. "Bud" Karnes, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away at the Montana Veteran's Home on Jan. 17, 2005.

He was born on Feb. 26, 1925, to Carl and Josephine Karnes in Milwaukee, Wis. He was raised in Milwaukee, and graduated from Dunn County Agricultural School in 1942.

Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and was on the USS Amesbury at the invasion of Normandy where his ship was sunk. They were forced to swim more than 200 yards to safety. At this time he was injured and merited an honorable discharge and earned a Purple Heart in 1945.

He started working with the sheriff's posse in 1980 and became a, life member which lasted 24 years. He worked at. Plum Creek for 21 years (1966-1987); Moonlighting Detective Agency from 1992-1997; and was also an English teacher.

His hobbies included reading, sightseeing, golfing, hunting, watching TV, and playing bingo. He also loved the Green Bay Packers but was disgusted at their losing streak this last year.

He married Evelyn Mary Baker in 1967.

He is survived by three stepsons, Charles, Bob and Michael Baker; one stepdaughter, Betty Baker; four grandchildren, Sheila and Shelly Baker, Leah and Jennifer Hancock; two great-grandchildren, Amy Schroth and Greggory Bancroft; one great-great-grandson, Riley James; his sister, Irene and her husband, Vaughn Schaffer, in Hungry Horse; his brother, Oliver, and wife, Maura Karnes, of Seattle; and Frank Karnes of Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Karnes, on March 24, 2001.

Services will be held for Bud and Evelyn Karnes at 1 p.m. at the Christian Center on Saturday, Jan. 29. Reception to follow at the VFW in Kalispell.

Any donations can be made to the Montana Veterans Home or the Christian Center.

Arrangements are under direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.