Obituaries

Carl Clement Barnickle, age 82, of Independence, KY, passed away peacefully the morning of February 5th, 2026.

Carl was a devoted husband and father who many knew as a man of few words. Despite his often-quiet disposition, Carl displayed through his actions a loving, generous spirit, a tireless work ethic, and unwavering integrity. Carl was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the youngest of nine children. His father passed away when Carl was only six years old, so Carl grew up fast and quickly learned the value of both a dollar and hard work. Carl absolutely adored his mother. Even as a child, Carl helped her make ends meet through various jobs like re-setting bowling pins at the local bowling alley and working at Coney Island.

As a young adult, Carl joined the Army and served his country as a physical therapist treating wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam. As a young man, he loved his 1967 Mercury Cougar and prided himself on his top-notch poker-playing skills. After serving in the military, Carl returned to Cincinnati and started a family. Always conscious of the value of a dollar, Carl worked tirelessly at Keebler Company for nearly forty years. During that time, if overtime was available, Carl took it, often working six days a week. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his children. Carl was known to take his kids along with some of the neighborhood kids on late-night frog-gigging adventures. Always looking to get the most out of a season pass, Carl and the kids made frequent trips to Kings Island, Coney Island, and the Cincinnati Zoo.

When Carl’s oldest son, Pete, joined the Army in the late 1980’s, Carl took advantage of Pete’s various European stations. Carl loved visiting France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. For the record, he didn’t like Switzerland, because it was too expensive. Soon thereafter, Carl met Claudia, who turned out to be his devoted wife for more than 30 years. Carl and Claudia loved travelling together, enjoying various trips to Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, the Bahamas, and Mexico. In retirement, Carl found a new hobby. He could often be found bartering for both “junk and treasure” at local peddlers’ flea markets, where he enjoyed buying, selling, and talking with fellow vendors. He had a knack for finding value where others might not.

In Heaven, Carl is greeted by many. Preceding him are his parents; William (Elizabeth) Barnickle, siblings; Charles Barnickle, Clara Haynes, Irma Walton, Evelyn Warden, Irene Huekler, Rose Kramer, and Bill Barnickle. Survived by wife; Claudia Barnickle, children; Carl Clement “Pete” Barnickle Jr., Andrew “Kevin” Barnickle, and Tracy (Tim) Rogus, step-children; Donna (Bobby) Coomer, William (Lettie) Hart, Robert Emmitt, and David (Teresa) Emmitt, sister; Helen Harris, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

Please join his family and friends for funeral services in his remembrance on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. Visitation from 10:00am – 12:00pm, Funeral to follow at 12:00pm. Carl will be laid to rest next to his fellow soldiers at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North.