Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JOHN MCKARNS Obituary
RUSSELL, 65 of Tavares, FL, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 from complications of bladder cancer. Mr. McKarns was born in Bryan, OH on Nov. 29, 1944. He has lived in West Unity, OH, Evanston, Elmhurst and Libertyville, IL before retiring to Florida in 2001. Mr. McKarns was predeceased by his parents, James Russell (Stubby) McKarns and Bernice Werder McKarns. Mr. McKarns was married to Susan Banks McKarns on July 27, 1968. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two sons, Geoffrey Thomas McKarns (Jaclyn), of Mundelein, IL and Greggrey Russell McKarns (Angela), of Rockford, IL; his only brother, James
Stephen McKarns, of Los Altos, CA; and three grandchildren, Gabrielle Marie, Alois Russell, Everly Betty. After graduating from Hilltop High School (class of 1962) in West Unity, Mr. McKarns attended Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in 1967. He was employed with International Harvester, Inc. as a quality control engineer. In 1979 Mr. McKarns became interested in pursuing his hobby of auto racing as a full time endeavor. John and Sue were business partners in various auto racing promotions: ARTGO Racing Promotions, Inc., Short Track Auto Racing Services, Inc. (STARS), Midwest MotorSports Company and MotorSports Management Services, for the remainder of their 41 years of marriage. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to Rolling Hills Community Church (note: Garden of Prayer/McKarns) P.O. Box 250, Zellwood, FL 32798-0250; or the American Cancer Society, or the charity of their own choosing. Memorial services will be held on Friday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. at Rolling Hills Community Church on Hwy. 441 just west of Zellwood Station. A reception to greet the family will follow the ceremony. Arrangements are being handled by Central Florida Cremation 352-343-8819. P.S. A "Memorial Moment" will be held during the Oktoberfest Race Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in Wisconsin at sunset during the Saturday night event.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN MCKARNS
Don Anspaugh
February 23, 2010
Sue--I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed my contacts with John. Certainly, we were not close friends but I valued our conversations and I loved working with him on that case in Lorain we had. He had a keen intellect and was a giving person. He was one of those people that you knew right away enjoyed his life and knew who he was. I will miss him. He put me on his email list on racing stuff and I loved getting it. I also enjoyed getting to meet you at your home a couple years. You take great care, Don Anspaugh, Columbus, Ohio
Sharon Johnson
February 22, 2010
Dear Sue and Family:
I am truly sorry to hear about John passing. He was a great person and will be greatly missed.
February 18, 2010
Dear Sue and Family,
We are truly saddened by the passing of John. He was really one of the good guys. Racing and the people involved will certainly miss him and will remember his legacy.
Rest in Peace, John
Sandy and Pete Leydorf
Waukesha, WI
D-R Racing Enterprises
February 12, 2010
To the family - we send our prayers and sympathies. Sue - some our fondest racing memories are of you and John and the friendship we built while we were competing in the ARTGO Series. We share your loss. Diane DeWitt and Brent Seelman
Scott & Angela Murphy
February 11, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the McKarns family in your time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
C. Mosher RN
February 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Most sincerely,
John & Sandy Mayer
February 11, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We have not only lost a Great man but also a wonderful friend. Take care.
John & Sandy Mayer
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in JOHN MCKARNS's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for JOHN MCKARNS
How to support JOHN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JOHN MCKARNS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
