HOT SPRINGS — Jon Michael Karber
joined his Savior in paradise Friday, January 22, 2021 in Little Rock, Ark.
Mike was born on April 3, 1946 in Jefferson, Iowa to the late Jon Franklin and the late Annette Jane (Toni) Karber. Mike leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Laura Jane McCaslin Karber, mother and father-inlaw Jane and Carter McCaslin of Hot Springs, three children, Jon Christopher Karber (wife Ahyung Karber) of Arlington, Va., Amanda Lea Eye (husband Brad Eye) of Hot Springs and Lyticia Jane Wisener (husband Jay Wisener) of Alexander. He also leaves 10 grandchildren who were the light of his life James Wisener (24), Ashley Stefano (23), Ethan Eye (21), Reuben Eye (19), Emma Belic (16), Lily Eye (16), Grace Bauer (15), Gavin Bauer (15), Jonathan Eye (14) and Annabel Karber (11) along with countless friends and family whom he loved dearly.
Mike graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1964 and attended Arkansas Tech University for two years following. He then enlisted and proudly served alongside his fellow Americans in the United States Navy in San Diego, San Francisco and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Mike loved his country and was proud to have served. He swelled with pride, respect and gratitude when he stood to sing The Star Spangled Banner or Anchors Away. Following his Naval service he returned to college and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
Mike loved his family deeply and unconditionally but he also loved all of God’s children. For many decades he would rise around 3 a.m. to prepare himself for Bible study and prayer. Hundreds, if not thousands, of handwritten prayer grams have been sent to people in pain or need bearing his signature time stamp of around 4 a.m. and his favorite Bible verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” He had a habit of carrying gold coin dollars in his pocket. When he would encounter someone, and the Spirit would stir his heart, he would give them the coin and say to remember when they see the coin or feel it in their pocket, they should know that someone is praying for them. His red GMC pickup bears the license plate IPRAY4U.
Mike worked for the United States Postal Service for almost 45 years. His years as a letter carrier were spent trying to make his patrons’ day a little better in some way. He also carried milk bones in his pockets for all of his canine friends. He always had a smile and an encouraging word.
Mike, along with his wife, was a charter member of Hot Springs Baptist Church where he loved and was loved by an amazing church family. Mike simply loved the Lord and dedicated his life to sharing his immeasurable and everlasting joy with everyone he met.
Mike’s wife, Laura continues her battle with COVID-19 at National Park Medical Center. The family wants to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the caring and compassionate staff at NPMC and Baptist Health LTACH. These, and all other doctors, nurses and other healthcare and frontline workers are rising to the challenge under impossible circumstances.
Due to the pandemic, there will be no service scheduled at this time. The family looks forward to a beautiful celebration of Mike’s life and legacy at a later date. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial gifts to the Hot Springs Baptist Church Library.
Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.