Walter Douglas Karge, age 82, former Sullivan County Sheriff, of Dushore, PA, passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2024, doing what he loved best, taking care of his family farm and property.

Doug was born in New Albany, PA, on March 9, 1942, a son of the late Walter Clarence and Helen Eileen Farrell Karge. He graduated from Sonestown High School, a member of the class of 1961.

Doug honorably served his country with the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1967, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

He worked for Leo H. Tourscher and Son’s contracting and later for Francis Tourscher until he started his own contracting business. He had an innate ability to solve almost any problem in construction.

He was elected as the Sullivan County Sheriff for two terms from 1976 to 1984.

He was employed by Procter and Gamble in Mehoopany, retiring after 16 years of service.  After retiring he traveled extensively throughout the United States.

He enjoyed living and spending his time on the family farm, visiting friends, and especially being accompanied by his beloved dog Hershey. He enjoyed relating stories from his past jobs and positions he held in Sullivan County.

He was a member of St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, PA and a member of McDermott Post #452 American Legion, Mildred, PA. 

Surviving:

Brother and a sister-in-law:

John R. & Cathy Karge                                     Dushore, PA

Nephew:

Frank Richart                                                     Dushore, PA

Three nieces:

Jennifer and Brian Wettlaufer                          Dushore, PA

Jody and William McCarty                              Shunk, PA 

Jamie and Patrick J. Loughman                       Windsor, PA 

He is also survived by several great nieces and great nephews and numerous cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law: Eunice E. Richart on April 28, 2018, and Francis T. Richart on August 19, 2015; and his sister Irene Hannah Karge, on October 5, 2023.

A Transferal Service will be held on Wednesday morning, May 29, 2024, at 10:30 AM from the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, PA, with the Rev. Thomas J. Major, his pastor, presiding.  Interment will follow in the Peace Cemetery, Dushore, PA.

Friends and family may call on Tuesday afternoon, May 28, 2024, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM in the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA. Members of McDermott Post #452, American Legion Post are asked to assemble and pass in review at 5:00 PM on Tuesday afternoon at the Homer Funeral Home.

Members of the United States Air Force Honors Detail and members of McDermott Post #452 American Legion will accord Graveside Military Honors at Peace Cemetery. 

Memorial Contributions in Doug’s memory may be sent to Peace Cemetery Association, % Nina Karge, 1064 Churchill St., Dushore, PA 18614

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614.

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.