R. Karnes

R. Shawn Karnes, 43, of West Lafayette, died at St. Mary's Healthcare in Lafayette Saturday December 4, 2010 where he had been a patient for 1 day. Mr. Karnes had suffered several years with a form of muscular dystrophy. He was born in Marion, IN. October 24, 1967, the son of the late Ronald and Stella Toulous Karnes. He graduated from Marion High School, received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Purdue University in Sociology and Anthropology, and his PhD in religion in Minnesota. Mr. Karnes was a member of the Purdue Alumni Association; Purdue Alumni Golden Key Society, and Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. Prior to his illness, he worked as an investigator for the State of Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Surviving is a half-sister, Gina Day of Indianapolis. Also surviving is his grandmother, Dorothy Wright of Marion, IN. and a friend, Jepsy Husk of West Lafayette. Private services will be held at a later date. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.