Charles Korns

BELLA VISTA, Ark. -- Dr. Charles Howard Korns died in his home Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, in Bella Vista, following complications of cancer. His wife, Marion C. Korns, daughter, Deborah A. Neece, and his dog, Charlie's Lil' Angel, were at his side as heaven's messenger claimed his soul.

Charles was born in Brooklyn, Iowa, on Aug. 27, 1931, and was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Celia Korns.

He served and was honorably discharged from the United States Coast Guard. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's degree in 1960, a master's degree from Colorado State University in 1962, and a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University in 1973.

He married Marion in 1958. They have two children, a son, John Howard Korns, and Deborah.

Charles taught at Southeast Missouri University for 26 years and was beloved by many students and staff before retiring in 1996.

The couple then moved to Bella Vista, where he lived the remainder of his years.

Charles has served in the Bella Vista Honor Guard, Crime Watch, was a faithful volunteer at the Bella Vista Recycling Center, was very active in his church and was an avid gardener all his life.

Charles is survived by his wife, Marion; a son, John of China; a granddaughter, Samantha Korns of St. Louis; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbi (Brian S.) Neece of Lowell, Arkansas; a stepgrandson, Buster Neece; a sister, Beverly Creps of Grinnell, Iowa; a brother and sister-in-law, Marvin (Martina) Korns of Brooklyn, Iowa; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Baptist Student Union on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Online condolences may be made at eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista.