Elbert E. Karns, Former Resident, Leukenia Victim; Dies in Oklahoma

 

Elbert E. Karns, general manager of Western Farmers Electric Cooperative in Anadarko, Oklahoma the past 17 years, died Thursday night in Grady Memorial Hospital at Chickasha.

 

He was born in Everett, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1909. He lived for 62 years, six months and 25 days.

 

He was graduated from high school in Bucklin, Kansas, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture engineering from Kansas State University. Following his graduation, he went with the U.S. Forestry Service. Four years later, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture where he participated in the development of the Rural Electrification Program. He remained there until he joined Western Farmers Electric Cooperative in 1954.

 

He was active in civic affairs, having served as director of the Anadarko Chamber of Commerce, the city industrial foundation and was a member of the board of directors of the Fort Cobb Reservoir Master Conservancy District. He was very active as a Boy Scout leader.

 

He was baptized in the Christian Church. He was a devoted husband and father. Achievements and advancements of young people were a vital concern in his personal life.

 

Survivors include his wife, Nellie M., of the home; two sons, Gary L., of the home; and Robert E., of Longview, Washington, two brothers, Melvin M., of Princeton, New Jersey; and Carl S., of Romoland, California; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Braun, of Windsor, Colorado; Mrs. Helen Loomis, of Bucklin, Kansas; and Mrs. Alma Scott, of Aberdeen, Washington; and three grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.

 

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 12, in the First Methodist Church in Anadarko with Rev. Mitchell Lowry, pastor of the church, and Rev. Sam Pace, superintendent of missions for the Comanche-Cotton Baptist Association and a former city pastor, officiating.

 

Burial was in the Bucklin, Kansas, Cemetery at 5 p.m. Monday, July 12, 1971.

 

–Newspaper clipping saved by Verna (Dawson) Karns.

[Elbert died on 8 July 1971.]