Wayne Karnes

Dr. Wayne Libbee Karnes, 80, residing in Salem, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

Wayne was born on October 11, 1941, in Beach City, Ohio, to the late Walter and Merrill (Libbee) Karnes. Wayne was raised in Milan, Ohio, graduating from Milan High School in 1959. He attended Bowling Green State University and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1974. He worked as a chiropractor in the Sandusky area until his retirement in 2008, when he moved to Salem, Oregon.

He married Kathryn (Wing) on September 21, 1963. Together, he and Kathy had 8 children. Kathy passed away in April 1990. Wayne met Peggy (Weller) Tompkins in June of 1994 and they were married on September 2, 1994.

Wayne was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities in the church. He enjoyed sailing with his family, even though they often finished last in Wednesday night sailboat races. He also enjoyed motorcycles, reading, gardening, and playing euchre and chess with his family. He enjoyed helping wrestlers reach their highest potential, working with wrestling teams from Sandusky St. Mary’s Central Catholic and Perkins High Schools as well as several others. He also enjoyed attending races at Sandusky Speedway and Attica Raceway Park.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 27 years, Peggy; his children Pam (Ted) Bingham, Lynn Karnes, Lisa (Dan) Ruff, Keith (Mary) Karnes, Gretchen (Chris) Nicolaysen, Michelle Smith, Nick Karnes, and step-daughter, Sandy Jones. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and various aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Merrill; his brother, David; wife, Kathy; daughter, Kelly Steffen; step-son, Allen Tompkins; son-in-law, Rey Garza; and grandson, Zachary Karnes.

Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the funeral service at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4511 Galloway Road, Sandusky, Ohio. Bishop Robert Coffelt will officiate. Burial will follow in Milan Cemetery, Milan. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory Milan Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Wayne’s memory may do so to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4511 Galloway Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.