James Larry Karraker

James “Larry” Karraker, 69, of Anna, passed away at 5:03pm on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at his home. Larry was born on August 21, 1947 in Carbondale, IL the son of James C. and Moneada E. Karraker. He was a 1965 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro High School and a 1969 graduate of Southern Illinois University majoring in political science. He obtained his law degree in 1972 from the University Of Kentucky School Of Law and began his legal career. He was a public defender in Alexander County, Assistant State’s Attorney in Union County and Regional Counsel for DCFS for southern 17 counties. Larry was an avid reader and “To Kill a Mockingbird” was the inspiration for his dream to becoming an attorney. He was a skilled criminal defense attorney who loved the law and had a great sense of humor. He was a member of the Cobden Masonic Lodge #466, a friend of Bill W and sponsored many who reached out to him. He shared his mother’s love of Cardinal Baseball, but his true passion was Kentucky Basketball. He was the first person awarded the Gazette Democrat Alumni of the Year Award in 1992 as an example of a successful person that high school graduates could emulate. Larry touched many lives in many different ways. He will be missed by his family, friends and clients. He married Cindy (Sorrells) Swope in 1967 and shared three children. In 1996 he married Lorraine (Basler) Karraker and she survives. They blended their families and were blessed with six children and three grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Anna; sons, Jason (Beverly) Karraker of Destin, FL, Michael (Sherry) Gee of Fate, Texas, Shaun Gee of Steeleville, IL; daughters, Julie Karraker Hand of Jacksonville, IL, Sarah (Quentin) Coonce of Tunnel Hill, Erin (Patrick) Karraker Pierce of Makanda; grandchildren, Danton Hand, Connor Gee, Jaxon Coonce; brother, Wesley (Sandy) Karraker; nephews, Robert Karraker, Jimmie Karraker, James (Lisa) Maxam, Ryan (Olivia) Maxam; niece, Kathy Karraker; other relatives, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, William Clyde; sister, Sandra K. Cassity. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday, June 23, 2017 at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro and Saturday after 8:00am until time of service. Masonic rites will be presented by Cobden Lodge #466 at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be at 10:00am, Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Kenneth Wilson and Pastor Tony Foeller officiating. Interment will follow at Anna City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Autism Spectrum Disorders Fund or Stinson Memorial Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.

James Larry Karraker

August 21, 1947 - June 15, 2017