Martin Luther "Luke" Carnell

Martin Luther "Luke" Carnell passed away on Monday October 1, 2018 at West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his daughter Carol Carnell Higgins (Terry), two sons Daryl Carnell (Laura) and Gerald Carnell. One Brother, Edwin "Skeeter" Carnell. Six grandchildren: Hayley Higgins (Josh Nolen), John-Hayden Higgins, Emily Carnell Young (John), Malissa Carnell Flagg (Garrett), Ashley Carnell Flansburg (Abe) and Alicia Carnell (Skylier). Also, nine great grandchildren: Charlotte Flagg, Halle Flagg, Lily Flagg, Lynlee Young, Reed Young, Rozelin Flansburg, Daniel Flansburg, Ariana Lowery, and Mason Lowery. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, J. R. Carnell and Paul Carnell and one sister, Lurline Lewellyng.

Luke was born in Edgewood Community, near Newbern on July 14, 1927. He was born the 4the child of a farming family. Pop (as the grandchildren called him), learned a love for hard work from his childhood. He stayed active all his life; working on cars, tractors, toilets, roofs- anything and everything that he had any inkling on how to fix - he would. It was comfort to know we have Pop; he'll fix it.

Pop had a very full life. He served in the army in Italy during World War II, but refused recognition for his service because he did not see combat--he was drafted after V-E Day.

He married Mary Evelyn Allmon Carnell on June 16, 1951 in Corinth, MS. They were married for 60 years before her death of Alzheimer's in 2012. A large portion of his later life was devoted to her care. Pop kept her at home and cared for her with the aid of his family-particularly his daughter. He was devoted to her care to the very end of her life without regret for the burden and weariness it caused himself.

Pop worked for the U.S. Post Office for 38 years and farmed for himself on the side while he carried his rural letter route. He loved both occupations.

Pop also loved his family and cared for them in the best way he knew how.

Graveside services for Mr. Carnell will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Poplar Grove Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Officiating this service will be Rev. Perry Grills. Friends are asked to gather at the cemetery.

The family ask that any memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N, Michigan Avenue, 17the Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633.

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