ROGERS — Bobby “Bob” Dean Carnes,
a beloved figure in the world of fishing, passed away on
May 9, 2024, in Springdale, Ark.
Born on December 28, 1942, in Brownwood,
Texas, to Odean and Katherine
Carnes, Bob’s life was one of dedication and passion for the sport he loved.
Bob attended Fayetteville High School, graduating in 1961. After high school Bob enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Bay of Pigs conflict.
Bob Carnes left an indelible mark on the fishing industry as a pioneer, innovator, and competitor. He revolutionized fishing with his creation of the original Arkie bass jig, a product that quickly gained immense popularity. The demand for his jigs was so intense that at the 1981 Okie Bug show, he sold an astonishing 36,000 of them in a single day. His success continued as he forged partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, expanding his reach and influence across the nation.
Not only was Bob a successful businessman, but he was also an accomplished angler in his own right. Throughout his life, he participated in numerous local and regional fishing tournaments, earning a reputation as a formidable competitor. Despite narrowly missing the opportunity to fish in the inaugural BASS tournament on Beaver Lake in 1967, Bob’s skill and determination propelled him to a 15th place finish in the 25th-anniversary tournament, showcasing his talent among the world’s best anglers.
Bob’s dedication to fishing knew no bounds. He was known to spend countless hours at marinas, eagerly awaiting the perfect moment to launch his boat. His love for the sport extended beyond personal achievement; he also played a pivotal role in the development of fishing communities, from guiding at the opening of Holiday Island to his contributions to Lake Fayetteville.
Even in his later years, Bob remained actively involved in fishing tournaments, displaying a fierce competitiveness that defined his character. At the age of 78, he secured 1st place in the highly competitive Beaver Lake Elite Series solo tournament, a testament to his skill and tenacity.
The marriage to Mary Alice brought to his life a big family, which he fully embraced. It was even his hopes to make a tournament fisherman out of one of three grandkids. Bob was lovingly known as Poppa Bob. The family always gathered around a table full of food and desserts to celebrate Christmas and his birthday.
Bob was an avid gardener who grew the best tomatoes for his family to snack on in the summer. Bob adored his cat Figaro, and the two of them were inseparable. Bob’s love for Figaro was only rivaled by his wife Mary Alice.
Bob Carnes is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Alice Carnes; his brother, Timothy Carnes (Charlotte); stepchildren, Lane Jones and Emily Sulak (Zak); step-grandchildren, Carter Jones, Izy Jones, and Wyatt Jones; niece, Laura Jade Farris; and nephew, Bo Carnes and Taylor Kramer. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched and the fishing community he cherished.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, from 4-6 p.m., at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Rogers. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Oakley Chapel United Methodist Church, with burial at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan, Ark., at 3 p.m. Bob will be deeply missed, but his impact on fishing and the lives he touched will endure for generations to come.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com