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Donald “Donnie” Elbert Carnett, 82, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, passed away on July 20, 2022, after a prolonged illness. Don was born June 2, 1940 when our country was at war, the only child of Verble Johnson Alexander of Harrisburg, Illinois. His father was George Elbert Carnett of Midland, Texas. Life wasn’t easy for a little boy often left alone while his mother worked in a factory to provide for them and to support the war effort. He was responsible for many household chores, including bringing in the coal, starting the coal stove and preparing food for supper. At an early age, Don was already serving others by delivering heavy coal buckets to elderly widows living nearby.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 with his mother’s reluctant permission. As an enlisted soldier, he served tours in both Korea and Vietnam. Don earned the Bronze Medal and the Army Commendation Medal in ground operations in Vietnam in 1969. Upon completion of Signal School in 1973, he went into telecommunications with top secret clearance on numerous projects.
Don first met Linda Lou Ferrell in Harrisburg where the two attended grade school at Dorrisville Elementary. They reconnected in 1960 when he was home on leave. The two were married September 2, 1960, and became parents to daughters, Shawna Lynn (Bergsma) and Trena Dawn (Butler).
Don was saved and baptized on Dec. 8 th , 1963 before reporting to Korea. A whole new world opened to Don, Linda and the girls when they transitioned from small town life in Illinois to assignments which sent them to Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, Germany and Arizona. After enjoying the journey for 22 years, Don retired from the Army at age 38!
Don traded in his Army boots for cowboy boots! Ready for a new challenge, he began a career in Civil Service in electrical engineering at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where he continued serving his country for 17 years before retiring a second time in 2002.
Finally relaxing in his retirement, Don began collecting and repairing old pocket watches, traveling to visit grandkids and enjoying time with the Carnett family in Texas. Don could most often be found with a book in his hand, especially a Louis L’Amour western. We often thought he was born in the wrong century and would’ve made a great cowboy.
He is survived by his wife Linda Ferrell Carnett of Midwest City, Oklahoma; daughter Trena & her husband Mark Butler, grandson Brantley Farris & wife Hailee, great grandsons Dazen & Atlas Farris all of Spring, Texas; grandson Jordan Farris and wife Marissa of San Jose, CA; granddaughter Camryn Butler of Spring, TX; daughter Shawna & her husband David Bergsma of Chandler, Arizona, grandson Matthew Bergsma & wife Jennifer, great grandchildren Blair, Caleb &; Aiden Bergsma of Gilbert, AZ, grandson Ben Bergsma &; wife Caroline, and great grandson Beckham of Newport Coast, CA, and granddaughter Alaina & Steve Gilbert of Malibu, CA. He is also survived by numerous half brothers & sisters, nieces &, nephews and friends.
A quiet man, Don was committed and faithful to his family and dearly devoted to his country.
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