David Dale Karr — beloved dad, PaPa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many — peacefully left on his final journey from his long-time McKinleyville home on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

The youngest of four children born to Robert & Mary Karr, he entered life on November 12, 1957 at Trinity Hospital in Arcata and was a McKinleyville resident for most of his life. Dave always lived his life to the fullest, never giving thought to any potential perils his actions might bring. Later in life, we’re certain his proud fulfillment of fourteen years of sobriety and his newly found faith in Jesus gave his family and friends the enjoyment of his company for many additional years. During a recent hospital stay when nursing staff made a comment about Dave’s nine lives, Dave responded, “Oh no sweetheart, I’m on life number fifteen!”.

Dave’s greatest joy in life was raising his daughter despite many life-changing events. The births of his three grandchildren added to his joy and he loved them wholeheartedly and in return they truly loved their PaPa. Despite the physical distance, the close relationship that Dave had with his daughter “Boo Boo” and her children was extraordinary.

Dave is survived by his daughter Kayla Karr (Marty Kemp) of Barnard, Missouri along with her children, Kylee Moreland-Baker of McKinleyville, and Dawn and Christopher Kemp of Barnard, Missouri. He is also survived by his siblings Tom Karr (Jessica) of Selma, Oregon, Sharon Hiney (Bill) of Eureka, and Kathy Bubenik (Mike) of McKinleyville, his mother-in-law Anna Sparks of Mexico and step-mother-in-law Wendy Sparks of Brookings, Oregon. He is also survived by a large close-knit family of cousins, nieces and nephews both near and far.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Dawn, his step-son Michael Duffy, and his father-in-law Don Sparks. He was also pre-deceased by his second wife, Jackie.

Dave was passionate about so many things in his life. From timber falling in his younger days, agate-hunting and rock collecting throughout his life, watching Nascar (or any other form of auto racing), golf which he enjoyed not only as a spectator but also as an active participant in past years, his love of the KC Chiefs in recent years, working on the family farm in Missouri and sunrises and sunsets were integral parts of the life that Dave enjoyed.

Dave touched a great many lives and although some relationships may have started out in adversarial ways, invariably Dave’s big heart would shine through and create friendships that lasted throughout his life. Although an amateur photographer, Dave’s pictures and drone videos of local scenes brought incredible joy to the many individuals fortunate enough to view his photos and videos on social media. The comments from former Humboldt County residents on social media relating to his efforts were especially touching. We truly believe that some of his photos had a higher power involved, for instance a sunrise photo that when viewed closely, reflected a perfect cross in the sky.

Although there will be no formal services held, the family will hold a celebration of Dave’s life on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Azalea Hall located at 1620 Pickett Road in McKinleyville. The celebration will be from 2-4 pm in the afternoon and friends and family are invited to bring their favorite potluck dish and share any “Dave” stories. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

We know that Dave is at peace now and joined with all of the family and friends that have gone before him. Please think of Dave when you see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, he is probably taking a picture from up above.