William H Karns

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of yet another member of the ?Greatest Generation?. On Tuesday April 3, life-long Franklin resident William H. Karns III passed away after 92 colorful years. Born on September 7, 1919 in Oil City, PA, he was the eldest child of William H. and Emilena (Reid) Karns Jr. He was the brother of Adelaide (Karns) Blackhurst and the late Patricia (Karns) Bryden.



Bill attended Penn State University before joining the Army during World War II and serving in the Pacific theater. Upon returning from the war, he became a pipefitter and was active in the Pipefitter?s Union.



Bill was also a Past Exalted Ruler and Life Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Franklin Lodge #110. Daily meetings with friends at the Lodge for coffee and cards kept his mind sharp and body active in his later years. For this his family is truly grateful. Secondary to serving his country, one of his proudest accomplishments was being inducted into the National Voting Hall of Fame.



Bill and Bettie Jean (Quinn) Karns were married from May 1942 until her death in 1984. He was also pre deceased by his only son William H. Karns IV. Surviving are his daughters Pamela Karns (Michael) Kowalczyk (with whom he lived), Cheryl Karns (Robert) Hoffman, and his daughter-in-law Nancy (Sheffer) Karns. He is also survived by grandchildren: Juli Conrad (Terry) Bossert ; William ?Billy? (Shannon) Karns V, Benjamin (Lora) Karns; Bevan Bresnahan, Alison Bresnahan; and Michele (Kowalczyk) Giallonardo.



Bill believed that he was extremely blessed to have had a loving relationship with his great-grandchildren: Hannah, Eric and Reid Bossert; Elizabeth Karns; Kadin and Quinlyn Karns; and David and Matthew Giallonardo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he truly cherished. In addition, Bill is survived by his long-time, much loved companion June O?Polka.



Visitation will be Monday, April 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St. A Vigil Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church Tuesday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. with Monsignor John J. Herbein, presiding. Interment with full military honors rendered by V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Oil City.