Ken was born in Champaign Illinois to Ruth White and Otis Kenneth Karr. He grew up in a largely rural community, helping his maternal grandparents on their farm. He was taught to hunt by his grandfather Joseph White, and participated in 4H. By high school age he proved to be an athlete, and played basketball and football for Arthur high school in Arthur Illinois.
He served in the United States Army Air Forces as it transitioned into the United States Air Force and worked as a mechanic on the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star which was the first jet fighter used operationally by the USAAF.
Ken achieved a PhD in Physical Education from the University of Illinois, and embarked on a career in coaching and later athletic administration at the University level. He coached at Eastern Montana College, the University of Illinois, and at Wake Forest. Ken entered athletics administration at University of Arizona Tucson, and went on to be Athletic Director first at San Diego State University and finally at East Carolina University. He was also a member of the NCAA Division 1 Basketball Committee for many years.
Ken moved to South Carolina in 2011 to be near his daughter Julie and her husband Bob Martin. He was met with neighborly kindness and enjoyed being back in a small town atmosphere.
Throughout his life Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports, playing golf and cards, and music. He loved to sing, especially the songs of Frank Sinatra. Ken was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor who enjoyed helping people reach their goals. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his two daughters, Julie Karr (Martin) of Pickens, South Carolina and Laura Karr Arlov of Oslo, Norway, and a grandson, Jon Kenneth Arlov. He is also survived by his sister Mrs. Norma Jean Jordan of Goldsboro, North Carolina.
A Memorial Service will be held on the 20th of March at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or a charity of your choice.
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