Joseph D. Karam

Karam Joseph D. Karam, age 88, died on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born June 26, 1928, in Washington, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine children born to Elias and Tarooze (Khoury) Karam. He graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1946; graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's of arts in 1955, and a Juris Doctor degree in June, 1957. Joseph entered the U. S. Army in December 1950, and served as forward observer in the infantry in Korea with the 5th Regimental Combat Team. He was promoted to First Sergeant and received the Silver Star for his courageous action in the battle near Paeson-Gol on October 9, 1951. He was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for heroic action in Sangnyong-Dong, November 28, 1951 and honorably discharged in September, 1952. He married Louise Ruth George on November 19, 1955. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage together and Louise remained at his bedside in passing. Joseph was one of the founders of the Lebanese-Syrian American Club of Columbus (Club El-Waten) and served as its president in 1947-48. He was elected governor of the Lebanese-Syrian Club of Ohio in 1949-50. He served as assistant attorney general, chief, tax section, Ohio Attorney General's Office 1960-64. Appointed by Governor Gilligan and served as a member of the Ohio Board of Psychology 1970-75. He was a member of the Columbus and Ohio Bar associations and practiced law for 25 years. Retired from active practice to serve as chairman of Cedar Enterprises, Inc., a Wendy's franchise organization operating in Las Vegas, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Hartford, Seattle, Springfield (MA) and Vancouver, British Columbia. Joseph was a member, board of governors of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis (TN), founded by the late comedian, Danny Thomas, and served as a fundraiser since 1957. He was chairman of the National Convention of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Columbus (1970) and Las Vegas, Nevada (1996). His greatest honor was being named "Proud Beggar" by Danny Thomas. He is survived by his widow, Louise; children, Lisa (William) Khourie, J. David (Lisa) Karam, Suzanne (Robert) Meyers and James M. (JoAnn) Karam; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Florence Baker; plus many nieces, nephews and relatives. His family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 12-3 and 5-8 p.m. at the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus. Family and friends are asked to gather at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1899 McCoy Road at Reed Road (Upper Arlington), for his funeral Mass on Thursday, April 20, 2017. A Mercy Meal will follow the Mass. The funeral procession to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial with U. S. Army Military Honors will depart St. Andrew at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (envelopes available at the funeral home). Condolences may be made via www.johnquint.com.