Mark Jason Karr

Mark Jason Karr was born March 5, 1974, to parents William “Bill” and Kathern “Kathy” Karr, in Waynesville, Missouri, raised up in a loving home near Richland. Beginning in his younger years, Mark cultivated interest in agricultural science – for the livestock, critters, and the land they live – which lasted his lifetime. He earned honors and recognition as a member of the Future Farmers of America and played baseball ahead of graduating from Richland High School in the Class of 1992. It was here where Mark felt he hit his home run, meeting the love of his life, Carrie. Mark and Carrie were married in Richland, growing a family of their own with two sons, Cale and Lane. Mark worked hard – most often selflessly. His passion was trucking, which began in his early teenage years hauling livestock for family and local farmers. Mark later expanded his scope of work beyond cattle after attending trade school at Crowder College in Neosho, Mo. He drove across the country, hauling cargo, working for several trucking companies beginning with Indiana Western Express in his early professional career. In 2004, Mark contracted with the U.S. Department of Defense to transport jet fuel for military missions in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where his convoy was ambushed, leaving Mark seriously wounded – his colleagues, fatally so. For this, Mark was awarded the Defense of Freedom (also known as the “Civilian Purple Heart”) for his service. Mark was a broad, tough, sturdy man with a heart just as big and soft. All who knew Mark trusted him and knew they could turn to him as a friend, a family member, and a neighbor. He was the man that would work your cattle, bale your hay and simply put, give you the shirt off his back. In the spirit of his dad, Mark loved to work with his hands, making wooden crafts and knives made of antlers. Always in his overalls, Mark was known for his rugged spirit. Fishing, trapping, and hunting were among his pastimes. Christmas beaver, or other uncommon game and wildlife, became a tradition. He also brought his own humor, with a recognizably jovial laugh, dirty jokes, and colorful language – with “Mark J, quit your cussin’!” being a common phrase heard around the Karr household. Mark was saved and baptized at the age of 12 and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Richland, Mo. Mark passed away on August 30, 2024, at the age of 50 years, five months, and 25 days, at his late grandparents’ home where many fond, warm family memories were made near Richland, Missouri. Mark faced a range of challenges, but all in all lived a shamelessly bold, adventurous life and will be greatly missed by those who were honored to call him a son, dad, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Mark is preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Karr. Mark is survived by his mother, Kathern Karr of Richland, Mo.; sons Cale (Cassie Ideker) and Lane (Emily Mattheis) of Richland; brother Kevin and wife Lacie of Richland; nephews and nieces Cole Arreola-Karr (Carlos) of Arvada, Colo., Layton, Madi Decker, Zoe Decker, Darcy – who he lovingly nicknamed “Trudy”- and great niece Westlynn Barnhart – all of Richland; along with a host of aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. Mark, you are deeply loved. Gone…but never forgotten until we see you again! Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 5, 2024, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Deacon, Max Thornsberry officiating. Lacie Karr shared special thoughts and memories in her eulogy and read a letter written by niece, Darcy Karr about her special Uncle Mark. Cole Karr read the obituary. Special music, “Go Easy On Me,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “Find A New Home,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” and “I Won’t Let Go” were played. Pallbearers included Cale Karr, Lane Karr, Layton Karr, Kent Zeigenbein, Mark Jennings, Scotty McMahon, Freddy Gray, and Randall Pemberton. Honorary Pallbearers included Roger Carroll, Don Lohrman, Bill Willoughby, Robby Payne, Gunner Jennings, and Eric Oursbourn. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Contributions in memory of Mark Karr can be made and left at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Mark Jason Karr

March 5, 1974 - August 30, 2024