Jeffrey Allan Carnell

Jeff Carnell was born in Fairborn, Ohio, on December 17, 1983. He was raised by his mother, Debra Carnell, and his grandparents, Samuel and Mildred Carnell. His aunt and uncle, Phyllis and Greg Purtee, were also a guiding presence in his life. It was his Uncle Greg that taught Jeff the most enduring lesson of his life-to always leave things better than how he found them. Jeff applied this belief to everything in his life. He was a valued and trusted employee of Huntington National Bank, a master at repairing any computer or electronic he touched, a proud DIYer, a home chef who was always looking for ways to improve (although anyone who had his brisket or fudge felt that it couldn’t have gotten any better), and someone who always took the time to teach anyone what he knew. Jeff was a lifelong astronomy enthusiast and would often end up holding an impromptu class for strangers whenever he was stargazing. Most importantly, Jeff was a beloved son, nephew, husband, father, in-law, and uncle. In addition to his family from Fairborn, Jeff leaves his wife, Kerry, and his son Jeffrey. They were a tight, loving family that adored each other and their cat, and his absence is constantly felt. He loved his mother-in-law, Marilyn Phillips; his sisters-in-law, Domini Perkins and Marinda Bowerize; and their husbands, Josh Perkins and Ryan Bowerize. There are many nieces, nephews, and their partners who deeply miss their Uncle Jeff, Tatum and Eric, Darien, Gillian, Lucius, Morgan and Shiloh, Meagan and Avalon, Sarah, and Lauren and Cali. He was also a beloved friend to the McBride, Hill, and Crafton families. Jeff changed the lives of everyone he knew for the better. He was always the one who could be counted on for a ride, a repair, a meal, or a sympathetic ear paired with good advice. He taught people to drive, to ride a bike, he helped with homework, wrote recommendations, unloaded moving trucks, and so much more. Jeff always had a word of praise and love to give to anyone who needed it, and as he was taught as a child-he left his family changed for the better for having known him. In his final act of life, Jeff carried on his belief in leaving things better by being an organ donor. He saved the lives of 5 people and gave them time with their loved ones that they may not have had otherwise. A celebration of life will be held in March 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor, or making a donation to LifeLine of Ohio, to help them continue to carry on their crucial work of providing organs to those in need.

Jeffrey Allan Carnell

December 17, 1983 - September 8, 2024