Kennis "Dwayne" Karns

Kennis "Dwayne" Karns was born on November 24, 1931 in Fay Oklahoma to Theodore Michael Karns and Marguerite Pauline Hawkins Karns. He attended Greenfield and Watonga Schools and was graduated from Watonga High School in 1949. He briefly attended Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater. He was very involved in Future Farmers of America from 1946 - 1952, receiving many awards and recognition for his farming work and prized livestock. In 1951, he earned the distinction of being named President of Key Men's Club. Dwayne was also selected to receive the American Farmer Degree, the FFA's highest honor.

Dwayne married Mary Ann Shaklee in 1950 and together they had 4 children. During his early adult years, he lived in Kingfisher and Watonga, with a short stay in California. Dwayne worked at the Ford dealership in Kingfisher, prior to moving back to Watonga and starting his own business of Karns Ford. His love of the business and community earned him much respect and many awards from the Ford Corporation.

But Dwayne's love of the country and livestock soon took him back to his roots of ranching with his cattle and horses. He owned the local Livestock Auction for a period of time, and other side businesses that allowed him to stay involved with his passion.

In 1996, Dwayne married Norma Knisley Wright, adding her three daughters to the family unit. In his later years, Dwayne was very involved with his family and relished the time spent with them.

Dwayne died on July 6, 2018 in Oklahoma City at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant grandson.

He is survived by his loving wife Norma, his 4 children, Mona Weisbruch of Okla. City; Anita Cowan of Okla. City; Brett Karns of Watonga and Bruce Karns of Norman, OK. Other survivors include 3 stepdaughters, Tammy Lauber of Wichita, KS; Terri Murray of Odessa, TX and Pam Baldwin of Okla. City; two brothers John Masquelier and Dean Karns; 11 Grandchildren; 13 Great-Grandchildren; 5 Step-Grandchildren & 8 Step-Great-Grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Watonga Christian Church at 2:00 pm on Saturday July 14, 2018, with a private family graveside service at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Arrangements by Wilkinson Mortuary in Watonga, OK.