Richard T. Karraker, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born May 13, 1930, in Cypress, Ill., to Hezzie and Ethel Mull Karraker. He and Shirley Beaver were married June 6, 1959.

After high school Richard attended Bradley University to study watch making. Afterward, he was a jeweler two years in Keokuk, Iowa.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951, and was stationed in Germany. After his discharge in 1955 he moved to Cape Girardeau and was employed by Rhea Optical 37 years, retiring in 1992.

Richard was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, and had been a member of Riders of the Son Christian Motorcycle Association.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a son, Timothy Karraker; a grandson, Thomas Karraker, all of Cape Girardeau; four nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jean Turner; and two brothers, Victor and Bon Karraker.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lynwood Baptist Church or the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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