Obituary of Jon Thomas Karr

Dr. Jon T. Karr

August 19, 1947 - October 21, 2024

Jon Thomas Karr of Lincolnville, Maine, passed away on October 21, 2024 at the age of 77.

The middle of three children, Jon spent his life as a devoted student, son, brother, soldier, scholar, and his most important roles: Father and Grandfather. 

Born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Long Beach, California, Jon went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Cal State Long Beach. He then enlisted in the US Army and over his military career served a military policeman, ROTC Instructor and Recruiter, ultimately earning his way to the rank of Captain. He served twice in Vietnam before returning and receiving his Masters Degrees and eventually his PhD in Psychology and Criminology before becoming a college professor.

Jon had two sons, Dustin and Gatsby (Gabby), and two daughters, Ella and Amber. He loved them all immensely, encouraged their talents, intellect and drive. Gabby welcomed his first son Samuel in (2006) and later, Gatsby (2017). When Dustin married his wife Natasha in 2019 and they welcomed their first child Lincoln (2020) a year later, Jon was overjoyed to become a grandfather and again, later Wren (2022) and Easton (2023). When Ella married her husband Colt in 2022, he stood by her proudly. When Amber moved to Los Angeles in 2018, he packed up his truck, drove her across the country and would not leave until he made sure she was safe and settled into her new home. Earlier this year, he had the good fortune to welcome his sixth grandchild, this time to Emilia (2024), Ella’s daughter.

A few weeks before his passing, Jon was able to visit Atlanta to see his sons there and celebrate his grandson Lincoln’s 5th birthday. Jon was fiercely devoted to his family, and would spend hours telling his friends about his children and grandchildren. He treasured his relationships with all of them, and wore his moniker of G’Pa with immense pride.

Jon loved singing in the choir at Belfast United Methodist Church, volunteering at the GBAM Food Cupboard, making friends with other vets at the VA in Augusta and the Belfast VFW Post, and spending time with his beloved companion, Barbara.

Jon is survived by sons Dustin and Gabby, daughters Ella and Amber, grandchildren Samuel, Gatsby, Lincoln, Wren and Easton and Emilia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Bruce Karr and his sister Melanie. 

A celebration of life for Jon will be held on Saturday, December 7th at Belfast United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. There will be a private family burial at the Augusta Veterans Cemetery on December 10th.

There will be live video streaming of the service at 11 am on December 7th on the church’s website:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=belfast+umc

In memory of Jon, there will be a memorial created in his honor. 

To donate, please send to:

Belfast United Methodist Church 

(Memo: Jon Karr Memorial)

23 Mill Lane 

Belfast, ME 04915

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on www.ripostafh.com