Jackie Eugene Carney , 76, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 1:28 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on February 6, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the son of the late Ralph E. and Nellie W. (Plew) Carney.  Growing up in Washington Twp., Whitley County, and South Whitley, he graduated from South Whitley High School in 1967.

In 1969, he entered the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aircraft mechanic for 26 years.  He was honorably discharged from active duty as a Master Chief Petty Officer on June 30, 1995.

Returning to the area, he worked in security at Whitley County Memorial Hospital until 1997, when he became a security guard at Steel Dynamics in Columbia City.  He retired in 2015.

On April 20, 2014, he married LaDawna (Morrison) Ames, and they made their home in Columbia City.  LaDawna died on April 16, 2021.

Kind and generous to all, he became a caregiver to his father and stepmother, Rosemary, and later to his wife, LaDawna.  He delivered care packages to many elderly people in the area and made them feel not forgotten.  At home, he liked to tinker with anything mechanical.  He was often found driving a tractor, either plowing snow for all the neighbors or helping mow the grass in the summer.  He enjoyed his grandkids' stories and always gave them his time and attention.

He liked outdoor activities, especially fishing and shooting sports.  In the warmer months, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.  He was a member of American Legion Post 98, Columbia City.

Surviving are a son, Ian (Dinah) Carney of Cedar Grove, TN; step-daughters, Melissa Wood of Maryville, TN, and Stephanie (Gary Bell) Wysong of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; a sister, Linda (Raymond Benoit of Fort Myers, FL and a half-brother, Jeffrey Bohanan of Mustang, OK.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Karmen Carney, and a nephew, Travis Benoit.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday (Dec 31st) at the Stough Cemetery, 2400 N Etna Road, Columbia City, with military honors presented by the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard.   Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Jack's honor are to American Legion Post 98, Columbia City.