Jerry Christopher Carnes Jr.

GALION: Jerry Christopher Carnes Jr., age 57, of Galion, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, following an extended illness.
Born August 23, 1968, in Mansfield, Ohio,
Jerry was a proud graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. From the age of 10, Jerry lived with Muscular Dystrophy, a lifelong challenge he met not with bitterness, but with remarkable strength, positivity, and grace. Though illness followed him throughout his life, it never defined his spirit. Jerry remained upbeat, encouraging, and largely unphased-often lifting others up when he himself had every reason to slow down.
Jerry was employed as a skip driver for the Mansfield News Journal, a job he truly enjoyed and took pride in. He was a man of deep conviction and held a strong, unwavering faith in God, which guided him through both good days and difficult ones.
Affectionately known as "Uncle Jerry"-not just to family, but to nearly everyone-he embraced that role with his whole heart. He was the kind of uncle every child dreams of, treating his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. Jerry intentionally made time to babysit when they were young, faithfully took them fishing, and never missed a birthday or Christmas gift. His love was steady, thoughtful, and constant.
In quieter moments, Jerry found joy in building model cars, a hobby he poured patience and precision into. He was a proud member of the Classic Plastic 101 Model Club, where he shared both his talent and camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts. He also enjoyed WWE wrestling, cheering on his favorites with enthusiasm.
A devoted sports fan, Jerry loyally supported the Cincinnati Reds and, through every high and heartbreak, remained steadfast as a Cleveland Browns fan-a true testament to his perseverance.
Jerry will be remembered for his enduring faith and generous heart. His life stands as a quiet but powerful reminder that strength is often found not in what we overcome, but in how we choose to live along the way.
He is survived by his siblings Debra Campbell, Tammi Summers, Chris, Timmy, and David Carnes,Teresa Clayton and Melissa Fields; special nephew Robert Keeton and special nephew and nieces John Summers, Heather Barrows and Tracie Borden; father Jerry Carnes Sr.; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and special friend Cary Bloomfield.
He was preceded in death by his mother Patty Jean Blank; sister Brenda Keeton and brother Jerry Carnes.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4-6 pm in the Richardson Davis Chapel Snyder Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Muscular Dystrophy Association.