Donald "Spencer" Carnes

Donald “Spencer” Carnes  76, of Baytown, Texas, passed away early Tuesday May 17th, 2022 at his home.  He was born in Mobile Alabama, on September 2, 1945. He spent his childhood years being raised by his mother, Murtie Carnes Petty, and grandmother, Cora Craft. Being raised by two strong independent women helped shape Spencer to the loving, caring, and respectable person he came to be. Survivors include his wife, Joy Carnes, two sons, Morgan, (and his wife Kristin), and Brett Myers, and six grandchildren, Madison, Kaylee, Lily, Matthew, Zoey, and Brynn.

Spencer graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont in 1970 with his degree in mechanical engineering.  Afterwards, he began his professional career with US Steel which ultimately a mentor encouraged him to obtain his Professional Engineering License (PE) in 1979 and would later start his own company in 1981. There he grew the business to what ultimately would be Carnes Engineering, Inc. which is still in practice.  

Spencer, a Professional Engineer by trade, was always willing to extend a hand in helping others as he would go on to be involved with many organizations, TSPE (Texas Society of Professional Engineers), Baytown Planning and Zoning Commission, Baytown Habitat for Humanity, a Board member of Lakewood Civic Association, City of Baytown Board of Adjustments (committee member), Volunteer Engineer for the City of Old River Winfree, just to name a few.

Spencer met his wife, Joy Carnes, in 1987 and spent the remainder of his life entertaining her as a companion and helping raise her two boys Morgan and Brett.  Morgan later went on to help Spencer and Joy grow the business to what it is today.

Spencer spent his life around those that he cared deeply about and enjoyed living his life to the fullest.  He always was the life of the party and wanted everyone around to celebrate with him. Many that knew Spencer would argue that he was always willing to help when others needed help.

In his free time, he enjoyed spending his time working on woodworking projects and constantly making upgrades and working on projects around his house.

Spencer’s favorite time of the year was Christmas as he loved to decorate every square inch of his yard and house with everything from lights to nutcrackers.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, at the Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home Family Center.  Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Cedarcrest Cemetery with services concluding thereafter.

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