Brian Joe 'Bubba' Karnes

On July 7, 1976 in Muskogee, OK, a baby boy was born to Joe and Jeanette (Branscum) Karnes. They named him Brian Joe Karnes, also known as ‘Bubba’ to his family. The Karnes family resided in Fort Gibson where Brian was raised and attended school graduating from Fort Gibson High School with the Class of ‘94. He furthered his education at Northeastern State University. Brian, a lifelong resident of Fort Gibson, was a devout Christian, incredible father, and son, and the best husband and friend. The love for all his girls was immeasurable. Brian loved his family fiercely with the tenacity his Mom and Dad had shown him. His father, Joe, was his best friend and mentor. He loved his community as he served with the Fort Gibson First Responders and a Volunteer Firefighter, having helped many people, and saved many lives over his 26 years of service. He was a leader among leaders having obtained the rank of Captain on the Fire Dept. Brian loved the beach, any beach. Salt life was his creed and spent many vacations with the sand between his toes. Brian raised tropical plants in his home as a reminder of his favorite place to be. He was University of Oklahoma’s biggest fan and attended many OU football games with his family. Brian could also be found outdoors with a fishing pole in hand. He also loved going for jeep rides and taking any family member with him that he could. He worked at OG&E for several years and became part of the OG&E family. Brian was a 32nd degree Mason and member of Blue Lodge #28 in Muskogee. Brian’s life was one of positivity. Always smiling, Brian had a gentle spirit, and was always there with an ear to listen, that he learned from his Dad. He married his best friend, Darci McCoy, on September 26, 2020 in Muskogee. Brian’s family was his everything. His end of watch was Saturday, July 29, 2023. Number 211 has completed his tour of duty and now rest in peace. Brian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Johnnie Dee Karnes and Carol Louise Karnes-McCool; step-grandfather, Billy McCool, maternal grandparents, I.B. and Elizabeth Marie Branscum; his brother, Luther Joe Karnes; nephew, Kendal Joe Jones; aunt, Peggy Sue Karnes; uncles, Billy Dean Karnes and Billy Glen Arnett; and his cousin, Billy Boyd Arnett. Those left to cherish Brian’s memories are his wife, Darci Karnes of the home; daughters, Lauren McKinley Hammond and her husband Timothy of Choctaw, Brenley Paige Karnes, Tatym Blaklee Karnes, and Saylor Jo-Lynette Karnes, all of Fort Gibson; parents, Wanda Jeanette Karnes and Luther M. Joe Karnes of Fort Gibson; sisters, Jodie Marie Jones and her husband Jeff of Fort Gibson and Jonie Dee Landers and her husband Jeremy of Fort Gibson; nieces, Brooklin Jayde Landers, Ashtyn Elizabeth Jones, and Alexis Noelle Jones, all of Fort Gibson; nephews, Cameron Thomas Jones of Oklahoma City, Connor Allen Landers, Dallas Cohl Landers, and Wyatt Andrew Jones, all of Fort Gibson; extended family, as well as many first responders, firefighters, and friends. In honor of Brian, the family requests OU attire or bright beach going clothing and flip flops at his service. Brian’s Celebration of Life will be held 10AM, Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the Fort Gibson Church of Christ with Randy Strickland officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson with Joe Karnes, Jeff Dortch, Jeff Jones, Darren Perry, Matt Lott, Jon Baldwin, Trent Sharp, and Timothy Hammond serving as casket bearers. Alec McCoy, Wyatt Jones, Cameron Jones, Jeremy Landers, Connor Landers, and Dallas Landers will serve as honorary casket bearers. The family of Brian Joe Karnes has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for Brian’s family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Brian Joe 'Bubba' Karnes

July 7, 1976 - July 29, 2023