Harold L. Karger

   Harold L. Karger, 97, of Carmi, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Ferrell Hospital. He was born on March 6, 1929, in Carmi, the son of Walter Karger and Ruth (Hughes) Karger Burdette. Harold married Barbara Ann Doneghue on July 11, 1959, and they shared more than 67 years together. He enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served until 1953 with the 12th Tank Company assigned to the 4th Infantry Division while stationed in Germany. He was a member of First Christian Church in Carmi. Harold was also a member of the Carmi Masonic Lodge 272 since 1964, 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Scottish Rite since 1965, a lifetime member of Carmi VFW Post #3851 and Carmi American Legion Post #224, a member of the Carmi Elks for 70 years, and a charter member of the Amarath. At the early age of 14 he began working for Skelley Oil. After returning from the Korean war Harold returned to the oil business starting Karger Drilling. He owned and operated a salvage yard. Later returning to the oil business. Harold and his wife have owned Karger Kollectibles an antique store in Carmi for over 25 years. Later in life he pursued growing roses, raising pecans, running his backhoe and playing on the farm. Harold was truly a self made man.

   Harold is survived by his wife, Barbara Karger of Carmi; daughter, Suzanne (Keith) Williams of Mt. Vernon, IN; several cousins and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Karger and Ruth Burdette and a daughter, Jo Ann Karger.

   Funeral Services, Masonic Rites and Elks Funeral Honors for Harold L. Karger, 97, of Carmi will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be held in Big Prairie Cemetery with full military honors by the Carmi VFW and American Legion. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to St. Jude’s or charity of donor’s choice and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home or by mail to 609 W. Main St, Carmi, IL 62821.