Walter John Karner

Walt Karner peacefully returned to God on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 after a short illness. Although we mourn his leaving us, we do not grieve in the same manner as those who have no hope. Walt never met a stranger and he touched many lives during his journey on earth. He ran his race with endurance and he ran on the wings of God’s grace. Walt was born in Guthrie Oklahoma to Frank and Esther (Schultz) Karner. He attended high school in Luther Oklahoma before enlisting in the US Army and serving his country in post WWII occupation of Japan. Walt worked for 30 years at Tinker Air Force Base. After an early retirement he proceeded with owning and managing a small real estate business until the day of his death. Walt was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, serving on numerous boards and committees. He especially enjoyed teaching Sunday School and serving as Chairman of the Board of Education for several years. As a result of his interest and love of that God-given position the family requests that memorials be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran School. Family was a priority to Walt and he and Esther hosted a week-long family reunion for the last 16 years. He often initiated games of croquet, ice cream making, storytelling and skits (including his well-known “My Son Went to Paris!”). Friends were also important to him and he enjoyed meeting new people at his frequently-held garage sales. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, one son Blair Karner, and one great-granddaughter, Stacia Allyn. He is survived by his loving wife Esther Karner, a daughter Pamela (Eric) Allyn, a son Mark (Carol) Karner, and a daughter Ruth Karner. He is also survived by his grandchildren: David (Melanie) Allyn, Philip (Courtney) Allyn, Elisabeth (Trent) Ohm, Catlin (Cory) Bricker, Chad (Ashley) Karner, Courtney (Justin) Brown, Emily Heard and Gavin Heard as well as 13 great-grandchildren. Walt is also survived by his four brothers – Al, Roy (Betty), Harold and Franklin (Elisabeth) Karner. Viewing will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Monday, September 5, 2016 at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd St., OKC. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 N. Air Depot, Midwest City, OK with burial following at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City, OK. The family requests that memorials be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Midwest City OK.