Lyle Frank Karras

Lyle Frank Karras

1948-2022

Lyle Frank Karras passed away peacefully on March 30, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born in Ogden on September 9, 1948, to Orlen John and Afton Elaine Karras and raised in Roy, where as a young man he followed in his father’s footsteps to volunteer for the local fire department.

He graduated from Weber State University with a degree in geography and moved to Kaysville and then Layton, where he lived for the past 28 years. 

Lyle leaves behind an extended blended family: his wife of almost 30 years, Lona Hymas Karras; his children Jason, Christy (William), Jeremy (Risa), Michael (Kim), Jacqueline (Adam), William (Jessica), Daniel (Raquel), Katherine, and Aaron; his 21 grandchildren; his brothers Leland, Nolan, Allan, and Kevin and their families; and his former wife, Marilyn McKinnon. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a daughter, Lindsey Elizabeth.

He owned and ran (often singlehandedly) Intermountain Specialty Coatings in Ogden, where he did everything from balancing the checkbook to making deliveries to customers up and down the Wasatch Front. If you needed specialty paint, lacquer, or industrial coatings of any kind, he literally had you covered. He was an alchemist known for making whatever a customer needed.

His sense of humor was natural and always present, bubbling up frequently and often unexpectedly. 

His lifelong focus was on providing for his family, making sure everyone had what they needed in any situation. His generosity set an example for all who knew him; he would willingly give away the coats in his closet or the food from his pantry to anyone who needed them. Visitors left his house well fed and knowing he cared. 

He demonstrated his love for his family every day. Everyone could rely on him for advice and assistance with anything from buying or repairing a car to installing an appliance. He wouldn’t just tell you how to fix something; he would help you do it.

His curiosity and desire for knowledge were insatiable—once he was interested in a topic, he wanted to know everything about it. And then he could explain it to anyone who asked. 

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lyle was a Christlike example of selfless service to others.

The family would like to thank all those who cared for Lyle, especially as he faced health issues in his last few months. In particular, Lyle’s children and their families are grateful to his wife, Lona, for the unceasing support and strength she gave him.

A celebration of Lyle’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 4, at the LDS chapel at 2435 E. Canyon Rim Dr. in Layton. Friends may visit the family at the church at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

Services will be lived streamed, and may be viewed at this website by scrolling to the bottom of this obituary the day of services.

Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com