Benney Franklin Carnes Sr.

Click here to watch Memorial Video

Click here to watch Funeral Service

Benney (Ben) Franklin Carnes Sr., a cherished husband, father, Papa, friend and Choctaw veteran, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at the age of 86, in Rush Springs, Oklahoma surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 16, 1939, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Benney's journey was marked by a love of life, of fun, and of his family.

Ben grew up and attended school in Cox City, Oklahoma. His lifelong commitment to the community shined through his hard work, helping to build the new Cox City Church alongside his wife Mozelle and sister Betty. He loved spending time with his friends and playing (or winning, he would say) in pool tournaments at the Cox City Bar.

His curiosity and resourcefulness led him to excel in many different skills and career fields. After serving as a fighter plane mechanic and traveling in the Air Force, he returned to Oklahoma and worked as a welder, a farmer, and in the oil field. The years were a model of his dependable, hard-working nature, and even after retiring, he was always on the go and checking items off his to-do list.

Although Ben worked hard, he also sought out joyful experiences and filled his life with fun. He loved traveling to new places and was a life member of the Roadrunner Prospector's Club, pursuing his passion for panning gold. When at home, he loved being outdoors and tinkering on mechanics, tending to his garden and orchard, caring for his chickens, spending time with his family, and dancing with his sweetheart of nearly 69 years.

Ben naturally offered a warm, steady presence to those around him. He was generous and kind, readily looking to help anyone he thought needed it. His straightforward but sunny disposition meant he rarely met a stranger and made lifelong friends wherever he went. His spry sense of humor kept everyone on their toes and laughing always; his quiet humility laced with a streak of orneriness that will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elsie Mozelle (Henderson) Carnes of the home; his son, Benney Franklin Carnes Jr. of Rush Springs; his daughter, Brenda Gail Sintscha and husband George of Rush Springs; his beloved grandchildren, Melissa Mozelle Campbell and husband Willy, Danny Wayne Charlson and wife Brandy, Jarrod Lee Carnes and partner Danita; his cherished great-grandchildren, Audrey Danae Campbell and partner Cam, Morgan Paige Reid and husband Hunter, Jarrin Nicole Carnes and partner Genises, Anna Bella, Jasmin Kay, Jemma Shyann, Calvin Dane, Ryker Ray, and Krayson Franklin Carnes; and a new great-great grand-baby Hadley May Reid.

Ben will also be remembered by his brother, James Butler (JB) Carnes and wife Gwen of Concordia, Kansas; his sisters, Sharon Hill and husband Tommy of Comanche, Kathy Jo Eaton of Stigler, and Mary Cantrell and husband Glen of Long Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will continue to resonate through the lives of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Franklin and Tressie Claudine (Wright) Carnes Jordan; his brothers, Bill Carnes and wife Opal, Everett (Newell) Jordan, Miles Jordan; his sister, Betty Crabb and husband Alton; his nephew Larry Crabb; and his grandson, Franklin Dane Carnes.

As we say "see you later" to Benney Franklin Carnes Sr., we celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and a touch of mischief. His memory will forever be cherished and kept alive by the many lives he has touched.

Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Cox City Baptist Church, with Rev. David Hale officiating. Burial will follow at the Carnes Family Cemetery; all arrangements have been entrusted to the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home in Rush Springs, between the hours of 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be: Danny Charlson, Jarrod Carnes, George Sintscha, Willy Campbell, Bernie Alfred, and Chad Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: JB Carnes, Cam Jackson, Hunter Reid, Bill Campbell, Neal Lunday, Terry Howell, Curtis Rouse, Marvin Mills, Joe Jordan, and Dusty Hayes.

Online condolences may be made to www.callawaysmithcobb.com