06/10/2019
Paul LeRoy Karr, age 84, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 at the Comfort House in Pella.
Paul was born on March 20, 1935, at his family’s home in Marion County, Iowa, he was the son of Harold and Helen (Powers) Karr. He attended Blaine and later Union country schools. He graduated with the Class of 1953 from Knoxville High School.
After high school, Paul attended telegraphy school and worked the railroad for five years. He moved to Omaha, NE and worked for Mutual of Omaha as a computer programmer and technician. After 20 years of service there he went to work for AT&T in management for 15 years.
Paul was united in marriage to Betty Jo Core in 1996, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. They were blessed with 23 years of marriage.
Paul had many hobbies and interests. He was the President of the Board for Lakewood Retreat Youth and Adult Camp in Brooksville, Florida. He owned a 1933 – 5 window Coupe Street Rod, he traveled to many car shows and won many awards.
Paul sang in barbershop choruses, along with church and community choirs. He had a love for bluegrass music and was a self-taught piano player. Most of all Paul enjoyed his time spent with family and friends.
Those left to cherish Paul’s memory include his wife, Betty Jo Karr; their children, Becky Kern and husband, Gary, Lori Karr, Brett Karr, Mishelle Karr-Rutledge, Steve Zimmerman, and wife, Diane, Rusty Zimmerman, and wife, Brenda, Marty Zimmerman, and wife, Rhonda, Angela Schaffer, and husband, Rod, and Andy Zimmerman; twenty grandchildren; twenty five great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Karr, and wife Jane; and one sister, Kay West and husband Mick.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen Karr of Knoxville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Paul’s memory to your favorite charity.