Dale Edward Karaff, 71, of Vidor, passed into the arms of our Lord on Saturday, August 27, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mabel Karaff; and brother, Ronald Karaff, Kirksville, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of forty eight years, Betty Jo Fountain Karaff of Vidor; three sons, Keith Dale Karaff of Houston, Christopher David Karaff of Mauriceville, and Kevin Dwayne Karaff and wife Lynn of Richmond, Texas; two grandsons, Kolby Dale and Karson Paul Karaff of Richmond, Texas; sister, Joyce Terry and husband Glen of Town Creek, Alabama; and brother, Lloyd Karaff and wife Marion of Ft. Donnellson, Iowa. “Rodina si Spomina,” Slovakian for “The Family Remembers.”
Born in Kirksville, Missouri in 1934, he graduated from Kirksville High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing a successful tour of duty, he married Betty Jo Fountain in 1958 and began their life journey together. In 1995 he retired after thirty seven years from Gulf States Utilities and therein began the second adventure of his life.
Dale was a gentle giant. Tall in stature, his heart was large and giving…known as the neighborhood handyman, he generously gave of his time and skills. He always believed that you could read and research a topic, learn what you needed to know, get the correct tools and never have to pay someone else to do it.
Throughout his life, he was actively involved in many volunteer organizations. He was a volunteer tax consultant for AARP, devoted many hours to Some Other Place in Beaumont and many others. He taught night classes at Lamar Technical Institute, and recently completed the Master Gardener Program in Jefferson County. An avid photographer and self-described cybnernaut, Dale could always be found in cyberspace or in his garden.
Dale was interested in genealogy and his searches through his family tree led him to Slovakia in 1998 and 2000 to research and experience the country where his family immigrated. Camping and the outdoors always interested him and he served as President of the Texas National Campers and Hikers Association.
With interests wide and varied, he was a member of the Wood Badge program and was inducted into the Boy Scouts of America’s honorary Order of the Arrow. Also, a wonderful bowler, he could be found at least once a week at a local bowling alley, and he was a league bowler for over forty years.
Dale was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and his energy, vitality and love of life will carry on through his family and friends.
Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at First United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at the Mortuary.
At the request of the family, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Some Other Place, 1240 McFaddin, Beaumont, Texas 77701; First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3247, Beaumont, Texas 77704; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 7015, Beaumont, Texas 77726.
