Bob Gene Carnal

Bob G. Carnal, 80, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, in Sarasota, FL. Bob lived his rich life with integrity, kindness, and strength and stood tall as a man of God, an example for all who knew him. Bob was born on December 7, 1936, in Hopkins, KY, to Harold and Ruth Carnal. He grew up in Evansville, IN, and graduated from Evansville College in 1959 as a biology major. He later received a Master’s in Counseling from Butler University, and in 1963 he earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from Indiana University. He was awarded his Doctorate in Education from Indiana University in 1978. In 1987 Bob married Judy Logan in Indianapolis, IN. During their thirty years together, they exemplified the values of a Christian marriage as they lived, worked, and traveled together as loving partners and best friends. Bob was the proud and devoted father of two sons: David Carnal (Darsey) of Westfield, IN, and Steven Carnal, also of Westfield. He was also the beloved grandfather of Grant, Westfield, and Alexander, Pompano Beach, FL. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Mary Wade of Evansville, IN and several nieces and nephews. Throughout his life, Bob excelled in setting and achieving high standards for himself and leading by example. As a student at Evansville College, he played center on the men’s basketball team and lead his school to two NCAA Division II championships in 1958 and 1959. He began his long and productive career in education in Indiana at Boonville High School as a biology teacher. He then moved to Indianapolis Public Schools during the tumultuous civil rights and desegregation years. At Howe High School, he taught biology and began his career in administration as Dean of Students. He then served as assistant principal at Broad Ripple High School, and later moved to Shortridge High School, where he became principal. In 1973, he returned to his roots in Warrick County as the principal of Boonville High School. In 1979, Bob turned his sights to the district level and became the superintendent of Hamilton Heights School Corporation. In 1987, Ryan White—who was the name and face of AIDS—enrolled for his sophomore year at Hamilton Heights H.S. Ryan had gained national attention when he was expelled from his previous school because of fears based on misinformation. Bob focused on learning all about the latest research and court rulings and made certain that his school community understood the truth about Ryan’s condition. As a result of Bob’s leadership, Ryan began his first day of school welcomed with warmth and respect. In 1988, Bob headed to Danville, IN, where he served the community as superintendent of Danville Community Schools for 6 years. As a result of his dedication to the educational community and the State of Indiana, in 1994, Bob was named a “Sagamore of the Wabash”—the state’s highest distinction for private citizens. Upon his retirement he entered a new season of life by founding his own consulting company, Advanced Strategies. This later became known as Administrative and Technical Consulting, Inc. (AdTec). Under Bob’s leadership, AdTec assisted schools and libraries with continuous improvement projects, and increased awareness of additional funding for technology through the FCC E-Rate program. As a result of his work, schools and libraries in Indiana have realized over 150 million dollars through this program. Throughout their marriage, Bob and Judy played active roles in the membership and governance of their church. While in Indianapolis, Bob served in a variety of capacities at Bethany Lutheran Church, including co-chairing a major building campaign. When Bob and Judy moved to Sarasota, FL, in 2003, they became involved in the ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church where Bob enjoyed working in the property and finance ministries. In addition to serving their church and community, Bob and Judy loved to travel. From their home base in Sarasota, they planned for and experienced many cherished trips across the country and around the world. On November 8, 2017, they returned home—thrilled with their adventures and filled with sweet memories—from a 36-day trip to Germany and Italy, including a transatlantic cruise back to Florida. To celebrate Bob’s life, two memorial services and receptions will be held: Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL and Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 1:00 P.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4702 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund