PULLMAN, Wash. Karlton “Karl” Lester Kimberling, who worked for Washington State University Pullman from March 1970 to March 1995, died of natural causes on Aug. 14, 2017. He was 80 years old.
Kimberling was born in Moscow to Paul Mactear Kimberling and Ruth Irene Taylor. He was the second oldest of five siblings. He graduated from Moscow High School in 1955 and married Shirley Christine Johnson on Jan. 24, 1959, in Moscow. They were the parents of four children. Karl and Shirley also raised their oldest grandson, Frank.
Kimberling worked several jobs until he landed his dream job at WSU in the library department.
Karl and Shirley spent several years as camp hosts at Powell and Wilderness Gateway, and enjoyed getting to know the various campers and the challenges of keeping up the facilities. Karl and Shirley spent a lot of time searching for the perfect huckleberry patch. He didn’t actually like them, but Shirley loved them. Anything for Shirley.
Karl was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. He especially enjoyed following the Seahawks and Gonzaga Bulldogs during their athletic seasons.
Karl’s beloved wife of 56 years, Shirley, passed away in 2015. Karl is survived by his children, Kevin (Teresa) of Colfax, KC at Culdesac, MariPaul (Clinton Gazaway) of Spokane, and Kathryn (Sam) of Moscow; and grandson Frank (Faron) Kimberling of Spokane. Karl is survived by his sisters, Paula (Jerome) Moore of Canton, Ohio, and Sharie Anderson of Spokane. In addition, Karl is survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Karl’s in-laws Eugene Johnson of Lewiston, Anne Johnson Bell of Moscow, Frances Johnson Shauvin (Tom) of Colton, Ore., and Helen Heppner Kimberling of Moscow also survive him. His parents and siblings Roberta and Mose predeceased him, as well his in-laws, Frank and Marian Gage Johnson and sister-in-law MaryKay Liacos.
Kimberling was buried at Freeze Cemetery in Potlatch beside his beloved wife.