On Wednesday, March 27th of 2019, Francis Clinton Karn, of Yuma, Arizona passed away. Fran was born on August 31, 1939 in Eau Clair, Michigan to Clarence F. Karn and Wilburta Karn.  After graduating from Portage High School in 1958, he worked as a butcher until he was drafted into the Army in 1962. During his years in the service, Fran's time as a military police officer grew his passion for the law. Upon his release from the military in 1964, he joined the Battle Creek City Police force as a motorcycle officer. During his tenure he met his soulmate, Peggy Ann, under the mistletoe. They were blessed with two children, Kevin Michael Karn and Deborah Lynn Karn-Peare.

In 1972 the family relocated to Tucson, Arizona where he became a member of the Tucson Police Force. Shortly after, he joined the Narcotic Strike Force and was grandfathered into the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. During that time, he worked with multiple law enforcement agencies and was part of one of the largest marijuana eradications. Fran spent 34 years in law enforcement, received many awards, and was one of the founding fathers of the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association.

Upon retiring, Fran and Peggy followed their family to Yuma, Arizona. Fran was a dedicated husband, father, friend, and an amazing grandfather.
Every day Fran was supporting his six grandchildren, chauffeuring them to and from school, dance, voice lessons, horse riding lessons, or even taking the fussy baby for a drive to soothe them. He never complained once, always enjoying being there for all of them.

Outside of taking care of his family, he would fill his time with tons of hobbies. He enjoyed going on long drives and reading books. Friends and people in the community would recognize him as the bald man reading a book in the big white ford. Fran also filled his time with fishing, listening to country music, and even acting in few plays. Of course, we cannot forget his love for his teams the Cardinals, Diamond Backs, and most importantly the Cowboys, he never missed a game.

Francis is survived by his loving wife Peggy, their beloved children Kevin Michael Karn, daughter Deborah Lynn Karn-Peare, son-in-law Gregory Lee Peare, and grandchildren Brittany Ann Peare-Allen, Kendall Marie Karn, Katherine Margaret Peare, Terrance Michael Karn, Emily Francis Peare and Sydney Lee Peare. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence F. Karn and Wilburta Karn.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2019, at Desert Valley Mortuary. Burial with Full Police Honors will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma, Az.

The family suggests memorial contribution be sent to The 100 Club of Arizona, 333 North 44st, #100, Phoenix, Arizona 85008 or their website at 100club.org.

A very special thank you to fellow officers and our community for all of the love and support.
Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."