Wayne George Karol, 72, passed away on December 6, 2018 surrounded by family. He was born on June 17, 1946 to Peter and Alice Karol in Vincennes, Indiana. George participated in the ROTC during his high school years at Arsenal Tech High School. After graduating from Tech in 1966, he joined the US Navy, where he served on the USS North Hampton, the Presidential Communication Ship, during the Vietnam War. After his stint with the Navy, he served for a short period of time with the US Marines and US Air Force, finally ending with the US Army/Army National Guard. George served his country for a total of 36 years. Retiring from Camp Atterbury as a Staff Sergeant.
George was a huge John Wayne and Notre Dame fan, devoting each a room in his home. He loved all animals, enjoyed playing poker, cheating at solitaire, and watching old Westerns.
George is survived by his wife of 22 years, Dorothy; children, William (Tina) Karol and Alice Steinbrook; grandchildren, William G. Karol Jr., Amber Karol, Tiffany Steinbrook, Hannah Steinbrook, Emma Steinbrook, Zachary Karol, and James Karol; great grandchildren, Breleigh Conley and MaKenna Conley; sister, Kathleen Karol; and many other family members and friends. He was proceeded in death by his son, David Karol.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11 at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W Moore Chapel. Friends may visit and tell tall tales of George from 11 a.m. until service time. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Washington Park East. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in George’s name to the Indianapolis Humane Society (www.indyhumane.org/get_involved/donate).
Dave Strope says
SSG George Karol was a good man and always willing to assist and help out. God Bless
Karen Nolan says
SSG Karol will always be remembered for his caring spirit and sense of humor. He had a profound impact on many people. May fond memories comfort your soul.
Cynthia Earl says
SSG George Karol was a good friend, and a awesome soldier, he was always helping anyone in need. he will be missed by many.
Craig Hoevener says
It was bitter sweet when George retired. I knew that I couldn’t just drive across Post to just sit and talk. I’ll miss him but George will always be in my memory. God bless you my friend and may you rest in peace.
Chuck Hall says
Sorry I won’t be here for the funeral of my friend. I have many fond memories.
Charlie Do says
So ironic were talking about George the other day at work, I have a privilege working with George at camp Atterbury in the late 80’s, I remember fondly going in to his office and set and talk about everythings. Good memories, rest in peace brother.
Nanci Lay says
SSG George Karol was a barrel of laughs. I will always remember his unique sense of humor. I enjoyed serving with George and being his friend. May he rest in peace amongst his military comrades that have gone before him. He will always be in my memory. I’ll never forget him.
Mike Johnson says
SSG George Karol was a good man and always willing to assist with billeting and help out wherever assistance was needed. Prayers.
Darwin Harting says
George was a great guy, always willing to help out. Many fond memories of clearing buildings at Camp Atterbury with him.
Charlie Scheible says
SSG George Karol was a very good friend of mine. I enjoyed serving with him. I will miss him dearly. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My condolences to his family. You
Jim Coleman says
My condolences to the family. George was so fond of my wife (17 years his junior) that he always jokingly called her mom! Maybe it was because she invited him over for dinner every time she made a pot roast! He was always willing and available to ensure no soldier ever went without billeting. He was a great person and soldier.
Bonnie Davis says
SSG Karol was a great soldier and could always make me laugh. Prayers for healing to family and friends. He always had a tale to tell, RIP George!
Roy Arnold says
So many great memories of talking with George and him always being in a great mood. He always worked around our short notice to take care of me and my soldiers. God bless him.
Val Edmonds says
George will always be remembered for his sense of humor and ability to make every one’s day a little bit better. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with George. Rest in peace my friend.
Dave Portish says
RIP,,,,dear friend,,been awhile since we last talked. Your generosity will not be forgotten,,,,always willing to help no matter what, when or where. George certainly made Camp Atterbury a better place. BTW,,,,,you still owe me for the Schoolhouse gate,,,lol
Barry Mooney says
George was such a great guy. Spent many evenings with him at the card table inside the NCO club during our time at Attebury.
Kathleen says
George was an amazing Soldier! I would stop by his office just to chat, and have coffee. We cleared many billetts together also. I also played “cards” at the NCO Club, great times and memories! We will see him again! R.I.P. dear Friend!
SGM Ret. Pete Iaria says
SSG Karol was not only a dedicated fellow NCO, he was a true “go to guy”. If you ever needed something, he was sure to deliver. He was fun loving, dedicated to his duty, and was a friend to all. It was an honor to have served with him, but it was more of an honor to have known him as a friend. Rest in peace George, and always know that Camp Atterbury was a better place when you were front and center.
SGM Ret. Pete Iaria says
My deepest sympathy to the family of SSG George Karol. It was an honor to have know him as a friend.
Brittany says
Dear Karol family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere sympathies. It is sad to learn that you’re mourning the loss of your dear loved one, Wayne, and it saddens our God even more. No doubt, you have many fond memories that will resurface at times. Know that Almighty God has memories as well. With full confidence, you can take comfort in knowing that he longs to restore perfect life to all those safe in his loving memory. (John 5:28,29) You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Penny and Bob Faucett says
To Dean and all of George’s family:We we’re So Sorry to hear of his passing.But we are certain he is in heaven with our maker right now, helping to light up our sky with that big beautiful smile, and he will be there to greet all of us with a handshake and a big hug when the Lord calls us home. We have so so many fond memories of George and you Dean. Our first trip to Carrabba’s, Cook-outs, Halloween parties, our homemade pizza party, many nights when we sat in the kitchen talking, joking and laughing all night! He was such a wonderful man! And always there if anyone needed a helping hand. We we’re fortunate to have the privilege to know him. He was a great friend! He will be greatly missed by all of us.
MSG (R) Lorri.M McCall says
SSG Karol was always helping someone and would volunteer to help any soldier with any issue. My dad and I both served eith him and my mom worked at atterbury so my whole family just loved him. He will be missed dearly. Fly high my friend
John Hubert 1st SGT USA Retired says
George was a real buddy and as most everyone has said a real comedian. I worked with George for many years at building #3 and trained him into the billeting program. He never had a bad word for anyone and I’m sure he will reap the rewards for being such a good person. I can only hope that he will be even better in the next life. Rest in peace old buddy and god bless, I’ll always remember you.