Stephen Cory Karnes

Stephen Cory Karnes, age 54, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away at his home on July 9, 2026.

Stephen was born on February 1, 1972, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Stephen Warren Karnes and Kathryn Ann (Schneider) Karnes. He was a lifelong resident of the Fort Smith area and graduated from Southside High School.

Stephen dedicated his career to the music industry, working for Saied Music Company in both Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Asheville, North Carolina. He was a talented musician who especially enjoyed repairing and restoring musical instruments.

He is survived by his father, Stephen W. Karnes and wife Pamela of Natural Dam, Arkansas; his brothers, Samuel C. Karnes of Cedarville, Arkansas, and Travis W. Karnes of Cedarville, Arkansas; his grandmother, Peggy Lou (Mason) Karnes of Fort Smith; four nieces; three nephews; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Stephen was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Ann Karnes; his grandparents, Leonard and Sue Schneider; and his uncle, Joey Schneider.

Services in Stephen’s memory will be determined at a later date. Cremation is under the care of Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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