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Kenneth Carnell
SIKESTON — Kenneth Wayne Carnell, age 86, fought the good fight, finished his race and heard the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant” on Aug. 5, 2024.
The day of his promotion was spent as a special favor from God, with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren letting him know just how much he meant to his family.
One week prior to his promotion, he shared that the greatest desire of his heart was that every single family member have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was able to witness the impact of his prayers and life example through this special tine of honor. He was the second born son to the late Arvell Dewitt and Katie Mae Carnell on Dec. 12, 1937.
His older brother, Arvell, had died months earlier as a toddler. Elizabeth Jane Smith was next, followed by Edward (Carol) Carnell, Phillip Earl (Erma) Carnell, Nancy (Windell) Parker, Anthony (Marsha) Carnell and Sharon (Joel) Montgomery.
The Carnells are a tight-knit family and Kenneth became the patriarch after papaw, Arvell’s death in 1993. The family is known as a praying family with the mantra started by grandma, “Not one drop of my blood in hell!!!”
This was so important to Kenneth, and he never missed an opportunity to lead someone to Christ
or pray with them.
He married the love of his life, Shirley Ethyl Floyd, on December 7, 1957 in Aurora, Illinois. From that union came Thresa Diann (Vance) Lawson (Vance), David Wayne Carnell, (Jennifer) Phillip Edward Carnell (Mary) and James Lynn Carnell (Ginger).
What family would be complete without grandchildren? The first granddaughter Melisha Joy (Greg) Adankpo led the next generation followed by Daniel Paul (Stacy) Lawson, Joseph Adam (Bethany) Lawson, Joshua Vance (Jenny) Lawson Michael Wayne Carnell, Aaron James (Jamie) Carnell, Caleb James (Samantha) Carnell, Kathryn Lynn Carnell (Leo), Avila, Kenzie Grace Carnell, Amanda Nichole Carnell, Christopher Adam (Lydia) Carnell, Hannah PaulineCarnell, and bringing up the rear, Elizabeth Lee Carnell.
The family blessings continued and Kenneth and Shirley were blessed with 19 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arvell and Katie Carnell; brothers, Edward and Phillip Carnell; nephew, Shane Carnell, and son, Phillip Edward Carnell.
In 1966 he became a minister in the Church of God and served the body of Christ in many roles
as worship leader, Assistant Pastor and Pastor.
To supplement the often meager income, he became a Master Mechanic and the “go-to” for all things related car, trucks, antiques, motorcycle and hot rods. He opened up Carnell’s collision in May 1979 with his oldest son joining him in running the business.
In 2016 he became an ordained bishop in the Church of God. This was one of his life’s highest honors. He and Shirley have attended Smith Ave Church of God for over 60 years. His great influence continued into recent years when he and Shirley would spend much time in Texas in their second home church, Open Door of Waco.
He was exemplary in his walk with Christ. He daily communed with his Lord through prayer and
study of the word and was intentional in soul winning and discipleship. He was an incredible
encourager, counselor and friend to many.
To have the slightest liberty with scripture.
Kenneth walked with God; then he was gone because God took him (Gen 5:24)
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.
A private burial will follow on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at the Center Point Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Carnell family may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.