Mr. Richard Rodney "Pappy" DeKarske, age 78, of Lyerly, GA, died Saturday, January 25, 2025, at his residence.

Mr. DeKarske was born August  19, 1946, in Detroit, MI, son of the late Richard Harry DeKarske and Bernice Mary Niewzalek.  He was a member of Pentecostal Power Ministries, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Mohawk.  Mr. DeKarske was a veteran of the United States Army where he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  While he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he donated 200 cc's of blood to a 14-year-old girl with a heart condition to save her life during an operation.

In addition to his parents, Mr. DeKarske was preceded in death by nieces, Michelle Harwood and Debbie DeKarske Harris.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Ann Johnson DeKarske; son, Richard (Maricela) DeKarske; daughter, Rhonda (Vernon) White; brother, David (Dorothy) DeKarske; grandchildren, Xavier DeKarske, Kristian Mobbs, Kadence White; great-grandchildren, Ryker Cavin and Rayla Cavin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Bishop and Rev. Ricky Phillips officiating.  Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Vernon White, Dylan Cavin, Bruce Miller, Scott Clements, and Cliff Bullard.

Mr. DeKarske will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Wednesday.