RAPID CITY - Douglas Morgan Karns age 77 passed away on April 9 , 2026.

Doug was born June 15, 1948, in Enid, Oklahoma to Homer “Runt” & Margorie Karns. As a youth Doug was active in sports, excelling in baseball and football. In 1966, Doug played American Legion for Enid’s Post 4 as a catcher and helped lead the team all the way to third place during the American Legion World Series. Doug also played football for the Enid High School Plainsman #80. Doug received a full scholarship to play football at Kansas State. In a local news article his coach stated Doug was “one of the best young players on the squad who probably hits harder pound per pound than anyone on the team!” Doug played linebacker for the Kansas State Wildcats as #55 until he broke his leg as a sophomore. Doug often told stories about his time with the Wildcats which often started off with the height and weight of his fellow players and his daughters often joked that all their dad’s stories had to start off with how tall and how big someone was. After his injury Doug attended Phillips University and started catching for the Haymakers Diamond squad. Doug was offered a job as the coach for American Legion Post 4.

Doug moved from Oklahoma to Cheynne, Wyoming where he met the love of his life on a blind date. Doug and Linda were married in Rawlins, Wyoming on March 4, 1977. Doug and Linda were married for forty-three years. They had their first daughter Andrea “Andi” in April 1978. Their second daughter Shauna was born in July 1980. Shauna was “daddy’s little girl” and held a very special place in his heart. In 1992 the family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where Doug was a manager at Amcon and later Thrifty Smoke Shop.

Doug’s faith was a pivotal part of his life. He was involved in ministry work and held eldership roles at First Christian Church (Casper, Wyoming) where he taught Sunday School to the embarrassment of his daughters which were often disciplined for not paying attention in class. After his wife passed, he co-led several grief support groups at Rimrock Church. Doug remained passionate about sports and was an avid fan of Rapid City Post 22 and the New York Yankees. Doug and family took several trips to watch Colorado Rockies baseball.

In 2016, Doug and Linda took a once in a lifetime trip to Israel where he was re-baptized in the Jordan river. Doug was a light to others. He enjoyed storytelling and loved engaging with people. He would often bake chocolate chip cookies and would give them to friends and neighbors. After he was diagnosed with cancer, he was often asked how he was doing. His response was always positive, and he would comment, “I know where I am going… Just not when.” When he prayed out loud, he always spoke of being blessed and thankful. He kept his sense of humor and positive attitude till the very end. Doug passed away at the Hospice House with loved ones holding his hand.

Doug was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda and parents, Homer and Margorie.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Andi (Shawn) Hemeyer; Shauna Karns; daughter of choice, Trisha Krull; grandsons: Tavian Stanec and Layne Hemeyer; brother, Tom (Marcia) Karns; nieces, Elizabeth (Tim) Nokes; Holly Scott; and nephew, Bryan (Ashlie) Karns; and his beloved great nieces, Maggie and Greta Nokes and Brittany and Brandi Scott. Doug enjoyed giving to multiple non-profits. His brother Tom is involved with Doctor’s Without Borders and Doug supported this organization with a monthly donation. Doug was given exceptional care at Monument Hospice House. Doug was also a passionate supporter of Post 22. In honor of his memory contributions can be made to any of these organizations.

Doug's Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2026 at Rimrock Church (12200 SD-44, Rapid City, SD 57702).

Private family graveside will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.

Doug enjoyed giving to multiple non-profits. His brother, Tom is involved with Doctor’s Without Borders and Doug supported this organization with a monthly donation. Doug was given exceptional care at Monument Hospice House. Doug was also a passionate supporter of Post 22. In honor of his memory contributions can be made to any of these organizations.

Doctors Without Borders online donation link.

Monument Health Hospice House online donation link

Post 22 Baseball online donation link