Jerald Dean Carnahan

Jerald Dean Carnahan, 76I was born on a farm near Oakwood, Ohio, on Oct, 31, 1931, and died Feb. 27, 2008, in Mesa, Ariz.I graduated high school in 1949 from Oakwood High School, Oakwood, Ohio. My education continued at Bowling Green University for two-and-one-half years until I entered the U.S. Air Force. I later continued my education at Arizona State University where I received my bachelors degree in 1960 and then my masters degree in 1976.The Air Force was my first career in 1952, where I served as a fighter pilot until I retired in 1974 with the rank of lieutenant colonel and senior pilot. I served at several Air Force bases in the United States and fought in the Ethiopian Insurrection in 1960, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.Public administration became my second career after my retirement from the Air Force. Maricopa County, Ariz. was my first employer, and I later worked for Tempe Elementary Schools. My final public service job was with the city of Chandler, Ariz. I retired from there in 1991 as deputy management services director.In 1994, I co-founded a business called AZ Arts & Graphics and my work in this business continued until my death.I leave behind my wife Rose; my sons, Shawn, Brandon and Chad; my daughters, Kelly and Mary (Kitty); and nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.In addition, I leave behind my special friend, business partner and domestic partner since 1994, Jerome P. Kruhaj.I wish peace and love to all those I leave behind, and ask that they not grieve and be happy.A funeral mass was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler, March 13. Military services will be later in March at the National Veterans' Cemetery in Cave Creek, Ariz.