Kip was born August 1, 1932 in Olean, NY to Orrin and Eva Franklin Karn. On November 21, 1953, in Olean, he married the former Audrey L. Clayson who preceded him in death on September 9, 2015.

Kip was a dairy farmer and was also employed by Cuba Central School as a bus driver and mechanic for 35 years prior to his retirement. He also assisted at sporting events by running the time clock. He and his wife Audrey were avid bowlers participating in numerous leagues and tournaments, and loved snowmobiling and playing cards with their many friends. More recently Kip was a founding member of the Southern Tier Stars model airplane club, for which he constructed the flying field and later sold it to the STARS flying club. He enjoyed building model airplanes and cutting firewood.

He leaves behind four children, Cathy A. (Kerry) Odell of Smithfield, PA, James O. (Debbie) Karn of Cuba, NY, Donna M. (Ken) Cox of Lexington, KY, and Kendal A. (Gwen) Karn of Cuba, NY, seven grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded by his brothers Franklin, Kendal, and Delo, and his sister, Isabel “Peg” Snider.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York.