Susan Carnes and Burt Carnes passed away Monday, January 8th at their home, the victims of an incomprehensible tragedy. The one blessing in these events is that they are together with our Lord and the loved ones who preceded them.  Their life will not be defined by their death.

Their life was one of kindness, love, and service.  They loved each other, stood by each other through difficult times and triumphs, and built a marriage that was strong in a way that is difficult to find in today's world. In May, Burt and Susan would have been married 52 years.

Susan taught school for 27 years in Austin, Taylor and Georgetown.  She made life-long friends in fellow teachers and administrators and positively impacted the students who received her instruction.  She was kind, generous, and patient.  She also had a stubborn streak that her family attributed to her Czech and German heritage, and she would do anything for those who were privileged to be loved by her.  She was a tomboy as a girl, an athlete, a cheerleader, a devout Catholic, a teacher, a beloved daughter, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a friend to many.

Burt practiced law for over 40 years in Austin, Taylor, and Georgetown as an Assistant District Attorney, defense lawyer, and State District Judge. He was known for being strict and running a tight ship in his courtroom, but also for being keenly intelligent in his knowledge of the law and unerringly fair in the dispensing of it. He served in U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, and was immensely proud throughout his life to be a Marine. He had a sharp, dry wit, a kind heart and a presence that made you feel like everything was going to be okay no matter the obstacle you faced.  He was a boy scout as a child, a respected attorney and judge, a devout Catholic, a beloved son, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a friend to many.

Susan and Burt loved their family and friends fiercely and completely and that will be their legacy in our hearts.

They are survived by their daughter Jennifer, son-in-law John, and grandchildren Camryn and Oakley of Georgetown, TX, their grandchildren Tyler, Allison, and Trace Carnes, sisters and brothers Linda and Kenneth Fontenot of Georgetown, TX,  Bob and Sylvia Carnes of San Antonio, TX, Mike and Shirley Carnes of Georgetown, TX, Teresa Robinson of Austin, TX, Bryan Carnes of San Antonio, TX, Mary and Charlie Lewis of San Antonio, TX, Tim and Roxanne Carnes of Taylor, TX, and Cary and Tia Carnes of Austin, TX, as well as nieces, nephews and friends who, though too numerous to name, held a special place in their hearts.