Biography:
The Rev. William C. Karns, formerly of Littlestown, currently of Utz Terrace, died Sunday., Dec 29, at York Hospital. He was 104 years old. Born in Everett Sept 29, 1909, he was the son of the late W.C., Sr. and Martha (Williams) Karns. Rev. Karns was the husband of the late Ruth Rohm of Breezewood who died Apr 22, 2001. Surviving are two daughters: Anne Mummert & son-in-law, Stanley, of Littlestown and Melinda Hummel of Catonsville, MD; 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Rev. Karns was predeceased by a brother, C.C. Karns.
A 1928 graduate of Everett High School, he graduated from Gettysburg College in 1932 and Gettysburg Theological Seminary in 1935. He was the oldest living graduate of both the college and seminary.
Rev. Karns was ordained in 1935 in Altoona and served at Scalp level and Jennerstown pastoral charges in Somerset County from 1935 – 1943 and at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Abington, near Philadelphia from 1943-1952. During his pastorate in Abington he assisted in the establishment and organizing of two new mission congregations under the direction of the Board of Home Missions of the Lutheran Church in America, one in Roslyn and one in Hatboro.
Rev. Karns served St. John’s Lutheran Church, Littlestown from 1952-1975. During his pastorate in Littlestown he served on the Board of Home Missions and Rural Church and the Stewardship Committee of the Central Pennsylvania Synod. He was also Secretary of the Hanover District of the Central PA Synod. Rev. Karns had served as president of the Littlestown Lions Club and Chairman of the Littlestown Senior Center.
Funeral Service will be Saturday 11 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Littlestown with The Rev.’s John Largen and Julian Hall officiating. There will be no viewing; however, the family will receive friends 9 – 11 A.M. Sat at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Karns Memorial Fund”, C/O St. John’s Lutheran Church, 665 St. Johns Rd., Littlestown, PA 17340. Online condolences may be shared on www.littlesfh.com
Condolences(09)
Millie West (nee Bream)
Feb 12th, 2014 3:15 am
#9
In September 2013 I was visiting my Dad, Maurice Bream. I ran into Rev. Karns and we had a quick 'hello'. I heard from others that he was 104, the oldest person at Utz. My Dad passed away in October which made me very grateful I had a chance to see him (was there for a month as live in Australia). When I saw Rev. Karns he was moving along the corridors quite spritely with his walker so I was astounded to hear of his passing. All the best to his family.
Sally Brown Bair
Jan 14th, 2014 11:33 am
#8
Melinda -- So sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. What a rich life he had, and clearly a blessing to so many. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Cheryl Novak and Butch Novak
Jan 7th, 2014 4:56 pm
#7
Ann and Stan
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Reverand Karns. He was such an amazing man. He was such an active part in the life of St. Johns and the whole Littlestown area. He was always down to earth and someone you could talk to for hours and never get tired of listening to him. I know that he was such an important part of your family and will be greatly missed. Trusting in God's love that we will all meet again. My prayers are with you at this time of loss.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Reverand Karns. He was such an amazing man. He was such an active part in the life of St. Johns and the whole Littlestown area. He was always down to earth and someone you could talk to for hours and never get tired of listening to him. I know that he was such an important part of your family and will be greatly missed. Trusting in God's love that we will all meet again. My prayers are with you at this time of loss.
BONNIE (STORM) STEELE
Jan 4th, 2014 10:55 am
#6
What a great man Rev. Karns was! He provided guidance for those who needed it and was a kind and loving soul. Littlestown was fortunate to have him for so many years!
I moved away in 1961 but still think of Littlestown as my home. Sympathing and light to all who knew and loved him. Heaven is a better place since he has been called home.
I moved away in 1961 but still think of Littlestown as my home. Sympathing and light to all who knew and loved him. Heaven is a better place since he has been called home.
Donald Welch Monroe, Indiana
Jan 1st, 2014 12:57 pm
#5
I got to know Rev. Karns because of the Karns Kar automobile his father built in Everett. Myself and the Steve Barker's met with Rev. Bill on several occasions on our October visits to Pennsylvania. His knowledge of history and current events was fantastic. He was such an interesting and pleasant man, he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. His life was truly a life well spent, may he rest in peace.
Shirley(Winck) Felton
Dec 31st, 2013 11:25 am
#4
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Uncle Bill, I alwayes called him when I was little.. He was my cousins Uncle therefor I though he needed to be mine,also. He was great wise man. My husband sure did like talking with him. He grew up in the neighborhood we now live in. Always proud that he came from our little town of Everett, Pa.
Bob and Shirley Felton
Bob and Shirley Felton
Steve Niebler
Dec 31st, 2013 10:02 am
#3
Reverend Karns served both the Littlestown Senior Center and the Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. very faithfully and well. He was a wonderful man, full of common sense and good ideas. His own aging process showed all of us how successful that can be. We will miss him very much
Barbara Sponsler Miller, Carolyn Miller Carroll, Fred Sponsler
Dec 30th, 2013 10:00 pm
#2
Our sincere sympathy at the Passing of Rev Karns. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Such a wonderful man, who lived such a wonderful life.
Janet McMaster
Dec 30th, 2013 8:20 pm
#1
Rev. and Mrs. Karns were a sweet couple and now they are together again.
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