John Tom Karaianis, 62, of Taylorville, IL passed away at 4:17 am Monday, December 23, 2013 in Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Springfield, IL on June 2, 1951, the son of Tom and Jeanne Marie (Anderson) Karaianis.

Mr. Karaianis was of the Greek Orthodox Faith. He served honorably in the US Navy on the U.S.S Rich (DD-820) Destroyer and later on a Patrol Boat, River (PBR) during the War in Vietnam. John worked several years as a Dryer Operator at the Borden Chemical Factory and the later Formosa Chemical Plant near Illiopolis before the explosion.

Mr. Karaianis was married to Betty Lucas in Kincaid, IL in 1975.

Surviving are his former wife Betty (Lucas) Karaianis, and a son Daniel Karaianis both of Taylorville, IL a daughter Brooke Karaianis-Mayernick of Lincoln, IL a son John Karaianis (wife Jaime) of Decatur, 6 grandchildren, along with his brother Tom (wife Kathy) Karaianis of Springfield, IL.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside military memorial services were held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in Camp Butler National Cemetery near Riverton, Illinois.