TUPELO - John Kenneth Karoly, 65, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after an extended illness. He was born Oct. 9, 1941, in Hattiesburg, the son of the late John Michael Karoly and Edna Mae Jones Karoly.

John enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard and served from 1957 through 1958. The day after he was discharged from the Guard, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for 26 years and accomplished many lifetime achievements. During his Navy service, he met his future wife, Ann, who was also in the Navy, when they were both stationed in Washington D.C. John and Ann were married in the Chapel at the Naval Security Group Headquarters Activity in Washington D.C. on Sept. 16, 1961. During his 26-year career in the Navy, John was stationed in Washington D.C.; Bremerhaven, Germany; Misawa, Japan; Adak, Alaska; San Angelo, Texas; Rota, Spain; Pensacola, Fla.; Winter Harbor, Maine; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and numerous temporary tours aboard naval ships including a short tour in Vietnam. John's military training included German language school in Washington D.C. and Russian language school in Monterey, Calif. John had an extensive military education in German and Russian languages, and the management and development of training systems and materials. As a military cryptologist, his worldwide assignments included instructor of foreign languages; project management for installation of a major computer-based communication analysis system; and development of training materials and advancement exams for all Navy linguists. He has a strong public speaking background; had lectured in a foreign school system; hosted a live T.V. series; and served as a tour guide in southern Europe. John had many interests that included golf, bowling and umpiring for men's softball in military and in civilian leagues around the world.

After moving to Tupelo in 2004, John enjoyed "retirement living" to the fullest. He also enjoyed "watching" all sports while taking his afternoon nap. He loved bluegrass music, and traveling with his wife to see family, lifelong friends and former Navy shipmates. He also enjoyed being involved in his neighborhood and community, as well as being involved with the VFW and NCVA (Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association). John was involved with the local Tupelo veterans Memorial Park fundraising efforts and public speaking at the local community college. And last but not least, he was a member of the "National Hardee's Breakfast Club" of Tupelo, where he was a Member of Good Standing.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, at Holland-Harris Funeral Directors Tupelo Chapel with the Rev. Jay Stanley officiating. Burial will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007, in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Ann Beyer Karoly; two sons, Scott Alan Karoly Sr. and his wife, Karen, of Annapolis, Md., and Jim Edward Karoly and his fiancˇe, Lisa Cole, of Winchester, Va.; three brothers, Gary Karoly and his wife, Karen, of Harrison, Ark., Davy Karoly and his wife, Bitsy, of Purvis, and Joey Karoly of Moselle; one sister, Jackie Smith and her husband, Mike, of Purvis; six grandchildren, Dedra Bell and her husband, Dante, Scott Karoly Jr., Amber Karoly, Jamie Karoly, Cori Karoly and Christopher Pierce; numerous nephews and nieces.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald McGill, Jimmy Crockett, Jack Cox, Bobby Wilson, Bill Tallant and Skeeter Loden.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from noon to service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to the Veterans Memorial Park, P.O. Box 3608, Tupelo, MS 38803; or the American Cancer Society, 1800 W. Main St., Box 1, Tupelo, MS 38801.