William R. "Bill" Karns

Bill Karns passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2017 at the age of 87. Bill was born and raised in West Milton, Ohio where he began dating his high school sweetheart, Jan Miller, who became his wife.  She preceded him in death after 44 years of marriage. Also preceding Bill in death were his son, Kevin Karns; daughter, Kris Karns; and great-granddaughter, Emma Grace. Bill is survived by his daughter, Karla (Richard) Dotson; sons, Kurt (Julie) Karns and Kyle Karns; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Bill graduated from Milton-Union High School where he earned 14 varsity letters playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track. After high school, he took his talents to the University of Louisville where he was a two-way starter for football, played basketball, and participated in track. Upon graduating from college, he served two years in the United States Army. Returning to Ohio after military service, he taught and coached at Randolph and Northmont High Schools. 
After leaving the education profession, Bill spent over 30 years in the mineral aggregates industry in Ohio and Indiana. In 1986, he started Karns Inc., a company that focuses on concrete work. 
While Bill achieved successes in the private sector, he was passionate about giving back to the communities where he lived. From serving on boards like the Carmel Education Foundation, to coaching Carmel Pups football, to serving as a Hamilton County Commissioner, his generosity laid the foundation for the building of the Youth Center at Church at the Crossing, and a number of other community activities.  
Along with his wife, Jan, Bill's biggest accomplishment and longest legacy will be the family that they created consisting of five children, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and growing. 
Bill's life will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on November 6th at White River Christian Church, 1685 North 10th Street in Noblesville, with visitation from 10:30 to the time of service.  
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made either to the Bill Karns Memorial Scholarship, c/o Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, attn: Adriann Young, 18025 River Road, Noblesville, IN 46062; or to White River Christian Church, 1685 North 10th Street, Noblesville, IN 46060.