Robert Eugene Karns

"My dad lived a rough life. He grew up with parents who were alcoholics and a father who abused his mother. He grew up very shy and struggled in school. It wasn’t until he was an adult that he learned to read. He actually taught himself to read, using the Bible. He quit school his sophomore year and joined the army. He fought in the Korean War and experienced things I can’t even imagine. He couldn’t talk specifically about things that happened, but I know it was bad, and it had a negative impact later in life. He attended the Nazarene church in Porterville for many years. I remember being at church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. He made sure I was raised in a Christian home. He was involved in evangelism for many years and led me to Christ at a very young age. He taught Sunday School classes, preached in convalescent homes, and was a respected leader and mentor in the church. He continued to be actively involved in Bakersfield. He attended Faith Nazarene, First Nazarene, and Olive Knolls Nazarene….always making sure he put God first in his life. After 9/11 he developed PTSD. According to doctors, the tragedy of the attacks triggered many Veterans. He began to struggle with depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. It was his faith in God and his love of Jesus that kept him from taking his own life. God wasn’t done with him. He was a hard worker who had an outstanding work ethic. He held many jobs in various fields and excelled in all of them. His strength, both physical and mental, was strong…very strong. He put God first throughout his life. He loved and cared for his wife, my mom, for almost 60 years. He loved her with all of his heart. In his last days, he continued to speak of his love for Jesus and quoted scripture even while hospitalized. He was such an inspiration. I am proud and honored to call him, my dad.

'Well done, my good and faithful servant.' "

- Shellee

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Bonnie, his son Wayne (Susan) Karns, his daughter Shellee (David) Punt, and 3 grandchildren.