James ‘Larry’ Karraker
James “Larry” Karraker, 69, of Anna, died at 5:04 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017, at his home.
He was born on Aug. 21, 1947, in Carbondale, the son of James C. and Moneada E. Karraker.
He was a 1965 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and a 1969 graduate of Southern Illinois University, majoring in political science. He obtained his law degree in 1972 from the University of Kentucky School of Law and began his legal career. He was a public defender in Alexander County, assistant state’s attorney in Union County and regional counsel for DCFS for the southern 17 counties.
He was an avid reader and “To Kill a Mockingbird” was the inspiration for his dream to become an attorney. He was a skilled criminal defense attorney who loved the law and had a great sense of humor. He was a member of the Cobden Masonic Lodge No. 466, a friend of Bill W and sponsored many who reached out to him. He shared his mother’s love of Cardinal baseball, but hie true passion was Kentucky basketball. He was the first person awarded The Gazette-Democrat’s Alumni of the Year Award in 1992 as an example of a successful person whom high school graduates could emulate.
He touched many lives in many different ways. He will be missed by his family and clients.
He married Cindy (Sorrells) Swope in 1967 and shared three children. In 1996 he married Lorraine (Basler) Karraker and she survives. They blended their families and were blessed with six children and three grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Anna; sons Jason (Beverly) Karraker of Destin, Fla., Michael (Sherry) Gee of Fate, Texas and Shaun Gee of Steelville; daughters Julie Karraker Hand of Jacksonville, Sarah (Quentin) Coonce of Tunnel Hill and Erin (Patrick) Karraker Pierce of Makanda; grandchildren Danton Hand, Connor Gee and Jaxon Coonce; a brother, Wesley (Sandy) Karraker; nephews Robert Karraker, Jimmie Karraker, James (Lisa) Maxam and Ryan (Olivia) Maxam; a niece, Kathy Karraker; other relatives, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, William Clyde; and a sister, Sandra K. Cassity.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro and Saturday after 8 a.m. until the time of the service. Masonic rites will be presented by Cobden Masonic Lodge No. 466 at 7 p.m. Friday.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at the funeral home, with Pastor Kenneth Wilson and pastor Tony Foeller officiating. Interment will follow in the Anna City Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Autism Spectrum Disorders Fund or to Stinson Memorial Library in Anna.
To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.