Richard Karas

Richard "Rick" Karas passed away peacefully at his home on December 29, 2023 at the age of 76.
He is preceded in death by his parents James and Martha, and his wife Elizabeth. He is survived by his twin sister Rita Ruffin, his daughters Nichole Jenkins and Martha (Matt) Licari-Gelling, his grandchildren Ashley (Cody) Long, Anthony, and Lilly Licari and his great-grandson Artie Long.
Rick was born in Waterloo, Iowa, to James and Martha Karas on November 10, 1947. He married Elizabeth Fernandez on May 17, 1973 and they were happily married for 44 years until she passed away on September 15, 2017.
Rick was drafted into the Army in 1968. He was a dedicated service member and earned various medals and honors including the Purple Heart, which he received during his service in Vietnam. He spent lots of time jumping out of planes, scuba diving, and he spoke many languages. After retiring from the Army in 1991 he worked a few different jobs including long distance truck driving (which he always joked was the hardest job he ever had!). He took a contracting job that landed him in Williamsburg, Virginia, working at Camp Peary in 2004. He worked there until right before he was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2022.
He was a hard working man who cared deeply for his family and friends. He was the BEST husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend anyone could hope for. Rick was always listening to music and he enjoyed all genres – something he passed on to his daughters! He loved all things sports related, and he was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He enjoyed motorcycles, cooking and his truck. He was an avid fisherman and golfer back in his prime. Most of all, he had a huge heart and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, but no date has been issued yet.