Paul L. Karns, 68, of Battle Ground, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2021 at IU Arnett Hospital of Lafayette; he had been in declining health.

  Paul was born November 2, 1952 in Huntington, Indiana to the late Loren and Suzanna (Kitson) Karns.  Paul was a 1970 graduate of Remington High School and later received his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in Electrical Engineering Technology.

  His marriage 43 years was to Deborah Hughes on September 11, 1977 at the Buffalo Church of the Brethren in Buffalo, Indiana; she survives.

  Paul worked as an Instrument Technician at Staley’s (Tate & Lyle) South plant for 40 years retiring in August of 2017.

  Paul loved camping, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains, where he enjoyed hiking, fishing and being outdoors.  He and his family spent many weekends at the Tippecanoe River State Park in Winamac.  Paul also enjoyed woodworking and being with his family.

  Surviving with his wife is their son, Timothy Karns (wife: Allison) of Carmel, IN and two granddaughters, Victoria and Charlotte.  Also surviving are two sisters, Linda Morel (husband: Wayne) of Rockford, IL and Peggy Kelley (husband: Mike) of Windsor, CA; his mother-in-law, Sue Hughes of Monon; a nephew, Jonathan Kelley and a niece, Lauren Kelley.

  Preceding him in death with his parents Loren and Suzanna is his father-in-law, Jack Hughes.

  Private family funeral services will be held at 1p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon; Pastor Howard “Butch” Wildermuth to officiate.  Interment to follow in the Buffalo Church of the Brethren Cemetery. 

  Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com