Karns, Terry G., age 81, of Mt. Arlington, NJ, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice following a stroke and many years of ongoing health issues. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, Terry moved several times while in the Navy and then relocated his family to New Jersey in 1973; settling in Stanhope, where he lived until 2019.
Terry was a graduate of Louisiana State University, a die-hard LSU fan (Geaux Tigers!) and a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After ROTC and OCS, he served as a Lieutenant JG in the United States Navy from 1962-1966 on the USS Cavalier and in the Public Affairs Office at the Naval Air Station-Pensacola, FL. After being honorably discharged, he worked for BASF Corporation in the Human Resources Department for 30 years until his retirement in 1998, then for W. Kodak Jewelers. As a volunteer with the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, Terry helped many young women pursue their dreams of holding local, state and national titles which would allow them to have a platform to enact change in themselves and the world. He enjoyed theater (both performing and watching others), playing cards and games, travelling (especially cruises and the Great Smoky Mountains) and good conversations with those he cared about. Terry was both an ordained Elder and Deacon and was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, Flanders, where he participated in the men’s Bible study group and briefly served on the Board for Fun ‘N Friends Preschool.
Terry was the son of the late BT and Agnes Karns (Lockhart). Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Willadene (Oglesby), his daughters Kelli Taggart (Jim) of Phoenix, AZ, Gennifer Otinsky of Lake Hiawatha, and Sara Mc Hugh (Steven, Sr.) of Byram, as well as his cherished grandchildren Steven Mc Hugh, Jr., Kyle Mc Hugh, Madeleine Otinsky, Cooper Otinsky, and countless other extended family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held in late December at UPC, Flanders. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Terry’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Hospital. Arrangements and online condolences through Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
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The Kennelly Family says
December 5, 2020 at 3:35 pmTerry meant so much to my daughters and was a caring and generous man. All our prayers to his family and may he Rest In Peace.
Anna Hackelberg says
December 5, 2020 at 6:44 pmSo sorry for your loss Sara and family.
Dawn Costanza says
December 8, 2020 at 2:15 pmDear Willadene & Daughters
Please accept my sympathy at the passing of Terry. I’ve known him for a long time and know how sweet, gentle and caring he was to all. No matter how long or far away when I went home to NJ he treated me like I just saw him yesterday. So to your loving family I just want you to know how fortunate and blessed you were to call him Husband and Father. Love & condolences to all of you.
Maryann Aemisegeo says
December 6, 2020 at 1:33 amSorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was always so kind and caring to everyone. Prayers for him and the family. 🙏🙏🙏
Dale and Joyce Hooey says
December 7, 2020 at 12:42 pmWe are truly saddened by the loss of Terry and we send our thoughts and prayers to the family. We are sustained by fifty years of memories and the knowledge that Terry is now with his Lord. Terry was a good a faithful servant. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Arlene Donnellon says
January 2, 2021 at 9:00 pmWilladene and Family,
I was saddened today when I learned of Terry’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I remember the day you all moved to your home on Young Dr. back in the 70’s and know he’s now in the arms of God in Heaven. RIP Terry
Dassa Carvey says
January 20, 2021 at 2:07 pmI can’t begin to express how much Terry meant to my husband and myself. He was my boss in the Public Affairs Office, NAS Pensacola, FL, in 1966-1967. He walked me down the aisle when my husband and I were married as my parents could not be in attendance. He and Willadene opened their home to me so I had a place to make my wedding dress. May you rest in peace, Terry, and always experience Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Jim Benham says
November 28, 2021 at 9:28 pmWilladene,, I live in the 400 block of College Town and remember visiting in your home with my FIJI brother Terry while we were at LSU. I frequently remember Terry and you when I am out walking past your
old home but only now did I get on the internet to track you down. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good guy.
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