Professor Of Biology Daryl Ralph Karns Obituary (1949

Professor of Biology Daryl Ralph Karns, age 61, of Madison, Indiana, entered this life on July 23, 1949 in East Chicago, Indiana. He was the son of the late, Ralph R. & Lillian M. Heinz Karns. Professor Karns grew up in East Chicago, Indiana and was a graduate of the Flossmoor High School in Lakewood. He earned his bachelor's degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972, followed by a master of arts in systematics and ecology in 1974 from the University of Kansas (Lawrence). Professor Karns earned a doctorate in ecology and behavioral biology from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) in 1984. He also took time to serve in the Peace Corps. He joined Hanover College as an assistant professor shortly after graduate school. The College promoted him to associate professor in 1990 and to professor in 1997. During his tenure, he taught courses in introductory biology, biodiversity, herpetology, tropical biology, ecology, evolution, conservation biology and comparative anatomy of vertebrates. Professor Karns also directed independent study projects for seniors, along with other student studies and research. Professor Karns was united in marriage on June 2, 1996 at the Hanover College Chapel by, Rev. Dr. David Cassel to Dr. Pamela A. Middleton. This union was blessed with much happiness. Among the many committee assignments he held over the years, Professor Karns currently served as coordinator of Hanover's environmental science program and was its chief architect, convener for the environmental stewardship group and as associate director for science programs for the Rivers Institute at Hanover College. Professor Karns taught environmental science to high school students during the Rivers Institute Summer Academy for the past three years. He organized the College's first Bio-Blitz event, along with several others around the state. In 1990, Professor Karns began a 21-year tenure as a research associate for the amphibian and reptile division of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. He was responsible for organizing the Wabash River symposium for the Indiana Academy of Science in 2005 and the annual Ohio River Basin Consortium for Research and Education meeting held at Hanover College in 2010, among others. A prolific author, Professor Karns published almost 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports, many of which involved Hanover students. Additionally, he wrote or was involved in 18 popular articles, reviews and video, contributed 31 conference papers, and gave 43 seminars and public presentations. His research contributions were equally impressive - Professor Karns secured just under $150,000 in grants, awards and fellowships. His main area focus was on the ecology, evolution and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, including a comprehensive study of Homalopsidae, a group of Oriental-Australian rear-fanged water snakes that often live in the muddy habitats of Southeast Asia. To recognize the significant contributions made to his field, Karns received the first annual Hanover College Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activity at this year's Honors Convocation, held April 7. Professor Karns enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, especially of Darwin, T. S. Elliott and Sherlock Holmes. He was a great collector of books, art and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. Professor Karns died suddenly Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 6:41 a.m. near his home in Madison, Indiana. A LOVING FAMILY Professor Karns will be missed by his loving wife: Dr. Pamela A. Middleton of Madison, Indiana; his brother: Rodney Karns & his wife, Karen of Platte City, Missouri; his sister: Jarmila Fuller & her husband, Rodney of Hardy, Arkansas; his brothers in law & sisters in law: Michael Alan "Mike" Middleton & his wife, Dr. Sally Middleton of Indianapolis, Indiana, Thomas Earl "Tim" Middleton & his wife, Margaret of San Diego, California, Gail Ellen Middleton of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; his nieces & nephews: Jennifer Karns, Megan Sams & her husband, Brad; Alex Berger; Christopher Middleton; Alexandria Middleton & Mildred Ceredwyn Middleton; his great nephews: Tyler Karns, Collin Sams & Ethan Sams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph R. & Lillian M. Heinz Karns; his grandparents, George & Josephine Karns and Gustave & Anna Heinz. CELEBRATION OF LIFE CEREMONY Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., by The Rev. Dr. David Cassel at The Point at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Hanover Cemetery in Hanover, Indiana. A Reception will immediately follow the graveside ceremony in the Science Center at Hanover College. VISITATION Friends may call Saturday from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre in Madison, Indiana and Sunday seating will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Point at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana.. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS The Hanover College Development Foundation, Oak Heritage Conservancy, Big Oak Conservation Society or the Chicago Field Museum. Cards are available at the funeral home. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Professor of Biology Daryl Ralph Karns, please click here to visit our sympathy store.