Charles Richard Karns, 93, of Franklin, passed away at 11:30 a.m., March 23rd at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Chuck was born August 3, 1923 in the Cooperstown area, the son of Floyd and Bertha (Hanks) Karns. He married the former Arvilla Brinker on February 14, 1949, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage this past Valentine’s Day.

He served his country during WWII in the Army First Division. He participated in the 3rd wave of Normandy (D-Day) and in the Black Forrest of Germany where he was injured. After being wounded, he received the Purple Heart and both the Silver and Bronze Stars. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned to work as a supervisor at the CPT where he continued to work for 44 years.

Chuck was a member of the Fox Street Church of God, the Christian Motorcycle Association, Retreads, Goldwing Touring Association, Masonic Myrtle Lodge #316, Franklin Commandery No. 44, Knights Templar (32nd Degree), YMCA Aquatic Exercise Class, and transported meals for “Meals on Wheels” of Venango County until he became ill.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, reading, spending time with family and friends, hunting and fishing, and his church. He will be so missed by the many that knew him.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Arvilla; his daughters, Beverly Prichard and her husband, John; and Judy Stevenson and her husband, Glen. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Jodi Waldron and her husband, Brian, of Nazareth, PA; Todd Prichard and his wife, Katy, of Holly Springs, NC; Jeremy Stevenson of Friendswood, TX; and Glenda Stevenson of Pasadena, TX; and his 5 great-grandchildren, Brady, Holden and Hadley Mae Waldron, and Cole and Rhys Prichard.

Chuck is additionally survived by his 3 siblings, Neva Kahlor of Meadville; Leslie “Jake” Karns of Symrna, TN; and Gladys Passmore of Painted Post, NY.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph “Buster” Karns; his 3 sisters, Geraldine Karns, Elsie Schoonover, and Janet McDonald; and his granddaughter, Kelly Prichard.

Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Sunday, March 26th from 2 to 6 p.m. Funeral Services for Chuck will be held on Monday, March 27th at 11 a.m. at the Fox Street Church of God, with Rev. David Hart, of the Fox Street Church of God, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Fox Street Church of God; the Christian Motorcycle Association; Asera Care (Hospice) Foundation of Erie; and/or to the charity of one’s choice.

To send cards, or online condolences, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.