Evelyn Karr

Evelyn M. Karr

Age 88 of Symerton, passed away Tuesday September 2, 2014 at her home.

Born June 28, 1926 in Van Burensburg, Illinois, Evelyn was a daughter of the late Clyde Glenn and Alma May (Brown) Meyer. She was raised and educated in Hillsboro, and on January 5, 1951, Evelyn married James O. Karr in Vandalia. She worked as a waitress in the Officers Club at the Joliet Arsenal and later owned and operated a catering business. Evelyn was vice-president and bookkeeper for Karr Construction, in addition to co-operating Karr's Korner Hall from 1991 until 2002 with her late husband Jim. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Dorcas Chapter 5 and the Wilton Center Federated Church. Evelyn loved to dance, took pleasure in gardening and her flowers, and enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles and family gatherings. She was known for her pies, and was proud to always keep up with the family tree.

Survivors include two sons: Michael (Debbie) Distefano of Missouri and Greg (Cheryl) Karr of Wilmington; three daughters: Carol (Perfecto) Mendietta of Wilmington, Paulette (Frank) Gates of Texas and Trish Karr of Wilmington; six grandchildren: Tony (Heather) Distefano, Marc Distefano, Gina (Dustin) Conger, Alisia (Marty) Mikulenka, Frank (Corina) Gates and P.J. Mendietta; one brother Elvis Meyer of Texas; five sisters-in-law: Maxine Acup of Tennessee, Shirley Wright of New Mexica, Donna Meadows of Texas, Mildred (Larry) Scott of Colorado and Linda (Bill) Hastings of South Carolina; one brother-in-law Keith (Diana) Karr of Bloomington and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; step mother Elsie Meyer; husband Jim on June 16, 2011; special mother-in-law Effie Karr; sister-in-law Maxine Meyer and brothers-in-law: Bill Acup, Maurice Wright, Chuck Meadows, George (Denise) Karr, Hubert Karr and Herbert Karr.

Cremation rites have been accorded per Evelyn's wishes and a graveside service will be held Saturday September 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Vine and Williams Street, in Wilmington.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)