Karr, Lloyd (1912-1990)

KARR, HOUSTON, PHELAN, ESSIG, MOBERLY, GRANDGEORGE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 1/10/2015 at 12:21:47

Daily Freeman Journal, Monday, July 2, 1990

WC attorney Karr dies

Lloyd Karr, a long-time Webster City attorney, died of cancer July 1 at the Hamilton County Hospital. He was 78.

Karr moved to Webster City as an infant with his family. He was educated here and returned to practice law. He served on the Board of Governors of the Iowa State Bar Association, and was elected that group's president in 1962. He received the Bar's Award of Merit in 1968.

In 1954, Karr became publisher of the Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal and co-owner of the radio station. He later sold the paper to the B.F. Shaw Publishing Co., and sold his interest in the radio station to co-owners and founders, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Warren. Karr also owned two competing newspapers in Winter Park, Fla., and merged them.

Among highlights of Karr's legal career, he was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1957. He served for eight years as Hamilton County attorney from 1940 to 1948, with time out to serve in the Army in World War II.

Karr served on the committee for the Tenure of Judges for the district court and state Supreme Court, and was on the first nominating committee for justices to the Supreme Court. He also chaired the committee on the complete revision of the Criminal Code of Iowa. He wrote hundreds of articles published in the U.S. and Canada on informing the public of its legal rights and remedies, and received special recognition from the American Bar Association for this work.

Karr was also active in Republican politics, serving as the county party chairman and district chairman.

Lloyd Karr, 78, a longtime Webster City attorney, died Sunday, July 1, at the Hamilton County Hospital. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Webster City. There will be a scripture service Tuesday, July 3, at 8 p.m. at the Foster Funeral Home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Tuesday until time of service.

Lloyd Karr, son of Charles Luther Karr and Margaret (Houston) Karr, was born May 19, 1912, in Monticello. The family moved to Webster City when he was an infant. He was a lifelong resident of Webster City, where he received his education.

He received his law license on Oct. 7, 1937, and practiced law in Webster City. He was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States on May 13, 1957.

He married Margaret Evelyn Phelan on May 14, 1938.

Mr. Karr served on the Board of Governors of the Iowa State Bar Association, and was elected president in 1962. He received the Association's Award of Merit in 1968. He was serving on the Editorial Board of the American College of Probate Counsel at the time of his death.

He served as Hamilton County Attorney for eight years, and served with the Army in World War II.

In 1954, he became publisher of the Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal, and was co-owner of the local radio station, K.J.F.J. He later purchased two newspapers in Florida and merged them, serving as publisher for seven years. He also authored many articles concerning legal rights, and received special recognition from the American Bar Association for his work.

He served as Republican County Chairman for 10 years and was also District Chairman.

In 1960, he served on the advisory commission for the 9th Naval District. He has been in "Who's Who in America," and "Who's Who in Law" for many years. He received the Legion of Honor Degree of the Order of the De Molay.

He also served on numerous committees for the Iowa Supreme Court and the State Bar Association.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Janet Ann (Mrs. John W.) Essig; a son, Richard Lloyd Karr; four grandchildren; and two sisters, Eunice Moberly and Beulah Grandgeorge, all of Webster City.

Mr. Karr served in various offices of the American Legion, and as commander of the Webster City Legion Post 191. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church of Webster City, the Acacia Lodge 176 A.F. and A.M., Royal Arch Masons, Knight Templar Lodge, Za Ga Zig Shrine of Des Moines, was a former Elks Club member, was a Moose Lodge member, and was a member of the Des Moines Club.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels.