Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services | 1254 N. Business IH 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 624-0500

Howard "Gene" Carnahan

howard carnahan

July 14, 1951 ~ October 8, 2025

Born in: Mobile, Alabama
Resided in: New Braunfels, Texas

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Howard Eugene (Gene) Carnahan, age 74, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, following a lengthy illness, embraced by the love of his family.

Gene was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1951. His family later settled in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he graduated from Bolton High School. It was here that he met the love of his life, Charlotte Maxwell, and their bond blossomed into a devoted marriage of 55 years.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring in 1995. His distinguished career took him across the globe, working on top-secret missions and culminating in his selection as one of only three security personnel in the On-Site Inspection Agency, escorting Russian dignitaries during missile silo inspections. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Joint Service Meritorious Medal of the INF Treaty, NCO of the Year, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Marksman Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gene continued his commitment to public service. He served as a Deputy Constable and Airport Police Officer in San Antonio, taught Air Force JROTC at Hialeah High School in Florida, and spent 11 years as a Homeland Security instructor in Artesia, New Mexico. He retired in New Braunfels, Texas to be near his children and grandchildren.

Gene was a man of many passions. He enjoyed slow-pitch softball, hunting elk, oryx, and deer in New Mexico and on the family farm in Liberty, Mississippi. He was also an avid Harley-Davidson rider, sharing countless adventures with Charlotte and his riding companions. Known for his “tall tales,” warm sincerity, and infectious laughter, Gene was a cherished friend to many.

He is survived by his loving wife Charlotte; sons Charles Robert Carnahan and David Lee Carnahan (Andrea); brother Bruce Carnahan (Janet); sister Emily Carnahan Perry; nephew Chase Carnahan (Angel); grandchildren Isaiah, Camryn, Makenzie, Jonah, and Emilee and sisters-in-law Elsie Maxwell Rosenthal (Don) and Bettye Maxwell Benten (Chris). He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia and George Carnahan.

Gene’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him. His spirit will continue to inspire and up lift us.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff at Brooke Army Medical Center who cared for his body and spirit throughout his fight.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two of Gene’s favorite causes:
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation – Supporting fallen first responders www.t2t.org
• Gifting Care – Breast cancer support www.Giftingcare.org

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM at Lux Funeral Home in New Braunfels. A military procession will follow to Fort Sam Houston Military Cemetery in San Antonio for a 1:30 PM internment ceremony.

Services

Visitation: Thursday, October 23, 2025 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1254 Business 35 N.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-624-0500
https://www.luxfhcares.com/

Add to My Calendar America/Chicago 2025-10-23 11:00:00 2025-10-23 12:15:00 Howard"Gene"CarnahanVisitation Visitation 1254 Business 35 N.,New Braunfels, TX 78130

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Graveside: Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:30 pm

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78209
210.820.3891

Add to My Calendar America/Chicago 2025-10-23 13:30:00 2025-10-23 13:30:00 Howard"Gene"CarnahanGraveside Graveside 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.,San Antonio, TX 78209

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  2. To Charlotte. Greg and I will always treasure the crazy, wonderful times we had with ya’ll in New Mexico. Gene was always the heart of the many parties, always a hug, always a laugh, always with a story to be told. Oh, and how could I forget the water aerobics classes! Always loved to race him with the noodles; no fair, he’d ALWAYS win with those long legs of his! We’re going to miss him. I wish we could have gotten together one last time. But somehow life gets in the way. We’re here for you sweetie, just a phone call away. God speed Gene, until we meet again. Love you!

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  5. We want to say we are very sorry for your loss Charlotte & family. Words cannot express the sorrow. We enjoyed laughing with Gene and hearing all his stories.
    Jerry will miss hunting with him in the piney hills of Mississippi. Always a great time together. Much love with lots of prayers Always, Jerry & Lisa Maxwell

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  6. Cousin Gene, you meant so much to my mama, which means you have a special place in my heart. Please hug her for me. ❤️

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  7. I remember the first time I met my friend and neighbor Gene. He heard me cussing in my garage while putting a BBQ grill together and came to check on me! After that, we shared many llife and law enforcement stories and drinks over the wonderful years our families spent together as friends and neighbors. We miss Gene and Charlotte very much, and our prayers go to her and their family during this terrible time. God bless, we love you.

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  8. Praying for Charlotte and her family. It was a pleasure being a neighbor to Gene and Charlotte. I’ll always treasure the times we would go visit and you guys would treat us as one of your own. I always loved seeing the bikes in the garage, Gene making the cricket noises and him showing us pressure points. We love you Gene until we meet again! May Jesus watch over and hold your family close

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  9. After you guys left, life here was never the same again. I still look at the house and picture Gene in the garage, enjoying a cold beer. I learned so much from you both, but love was always your greatest lesson. I can still hear all his wonderful stories. There were so many, yet never repetitive. A man of incredible skill and remarkable knowledge, and without a doubt, a master of the grill. I will always carry the most beautiful and heartwarming memories with me including the day he convinced me to try elk! I’m still having a hard time processing that he’s gone. My heart and prayers are with the entire family, especially my dearest and very loved friend Charlotte.
    Rest in peace, my dear friend.

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  10. Rest in peace Brother. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. We have been friends since we were teenagers. Life seemed so carefree back then. I’ve been reliving memories we have created over the years. Even though the miles may have separated us, we were always in each other’s hearts. I know you are at peace and I envy you getting to see and fellowship with Jesus. Charlotte, you have been the rock that has held everything together through all these years and Gene loved you very much. To all Gene’s family, I know you will miss his infectious laugh and corny jokes, but cherish the time you have had with this wonderful man. Gene, I love you my Brother, rest in peace.

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  11. So many wonderful memories of you and Charlotte. Hard to remember when Charlotte’nGene or Gene’nCharlotte wasn’t one word. You both got me through those awful growing up years. It was always a safe, fun place when you were around. Gene, you were my definition of “cool”. You were funny, always had a smile and were ready for joke or a laugh. Beneath the fun, though, was one of the kindest folks I’ve known. Keeping up with your family through the years has been a blessing thanks to the amazing Christmas cards from Charlotte! I will always love you both!

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  13. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Wishing you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

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  14. I remember the great gatherings at Grand Forks AFB, ND with Gene & Charlotte and many others. I believe Rollie was there to greet Gene as he entered heaven with Jesus, Our Lord.
    Prayers & love to you all

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  16. Dearest Charlotte:

    I am so very sorry for your loss of Gene. I miss you guys so much as so many of us do. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May the Lord wrap you in His arms and give you comfort. He was a fine gentleman and could always put you in a great mood.

    Love, Karen Brito

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  18. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with the Carnahan family.

    Thinking of all of you and wishing you peace and comfort.

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  19. So hard to believe Gene is gone. Gene was the most remarkable guy…so fun and funny…so kind and generous…so loved by everyone. He was a great man, a great patriot, and a great friend.

    Some of my favorite childhood memories are of Gene, my brother Steve, and me playing backyard football on Canterbury Dr., Alexandria, LA, with neighborhood kids and riding with Gene to Bolton High School in his early 1960s Pink Ford Galaxy, playing rock-n-roll on his 8-track tape deck…so much fun.

    Gene will be missed by so many.

    Charotte…Sue and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

    Gary Cathey

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  20. Charlotte, You and Gene have been such good friends. I think about all the get togethers at your house. Gene barbecuing, all the fun and laughter. Guy and I loved Gene. I can only imagine all the stories that were told when Gene and Guy were hunting or playing golf! You and Gene looked out for me after Guy passed and showed me such love and support, but that’s who you and Gene are. My heart aches for you and your family. Gene will be missed. Please always know I’m just a phone call away and I love you.

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  21. You were so loved! Always showing up from far. Grateful for everything you’ve done for me♥️ rest in peace🕊️

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  22. As Rick said earlier, it was always Charlotte’n Gene! What a couple! Their love for family and friends was always a priority and will be passed on to his kids and grandkids. We loved him in high school and will continue to even though he is gone. So glad that his laughter, care and love touched so many people!

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  23. Uncle gene and auntie Charlotte always checked up on me throughout my whole life even though they in another state. It pains me to see him gone. Grateful for all the times he checked up on me. Love you uncle gene. Rest in peace🕊️

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  25. When I was 9 years old, Gene would pay me a quarter to make him a tomato and mayo sandwich on white bread. I was rich by the age of 10! He was a great brother-in-law and will be deeply missed. He loved his family, watching LSU football and was a fantastic storyteller. Our deepest condolences to the Carnahan family.

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  26. Got to know Gene & Charlotte by having the great privilege of doing work on their lovely home for them.
    Gene AND Charlotte were instantly, and always, friendly, engaging, and outgoing.
    I can tell from the comments that the world was a better place, with Gene in it.
    Rest in peace, Senor!

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