John Karas, 82, went to
sleep in the Lord on June 11, 2016, in Los Osos, Calif., with his beloved wife,
Robin, and a close family friend, at his side. John was born in Duluth, Minn.,
in August 1933 and was the third child of Greek immigrant parents who proudly
gave their children the opportunities of life in the USA while keeping their
Greek language and culture alive. John was a 1956 U.S. Naval Academy graduate
and was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. Upon completion of
pilot and combat crew training, he posted to the 5th Fighter Interceptor
Squadron, Suffolk County AFB in an Air Defense Squadron, flying the F-102 all
weather interceptor. After 20 months in the squadron he was appointed to the
first Olmsted Scholar Class for studies at the University of Goettingen,
Germany where he earned a Master of Political Science degree. Upon completion
of his studies, John joined the 496th FIS at Hahn Air Base, Germany, flying the
F-102 at the height of the Cold War, marked by the Berlin Wall and the Cuban
Missile Crises. His next assignment was as Assistant Professor of Political
Science on the faculty of the Air Force Academy Entering the private sector, he
enjoyed a 37 year career in high tech sales and management with regional,
national and international responsibilities. Prior to and upon retirement, John
was active in community service; animal assisted therapy, docent at the Palm
Springs Air Museum, homeowner Board of Directors, Young Adult Sunday School and
Parish Council. John was an avid golfer who enjoyed the game of golf and got
his first hole-in-one in 2005. John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Robin;
two sons, two grandsons, two step-sons, a sister, and a niece. John was a man
of deep faith, unwavering devotion, loyalty, civility and kindness. He lived
his values with dignity, humor, grace and generosity. He liked to say "I'm
the luckiest guy I know!" A Graveside service was held June 20, 2016, with
burial at Morro Bay/Cayucos Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Central
Coast Hospice. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries
