Karan Singh Bapna

Karan Singh Bapna was born on April 3, 1933 to Kalyanmal and Kamla Kumari in Jodhpur, India. He grew up in Indore with his brothers Yeshwant, Amar, and Abhay, and his sister Yeshwant Kumari. He was extremely close to his extended family, growing up surrounded by countless cousins and family friends in the house of his grandfather, the Prime Minister of Holkar State Sir Siremal Bapna. He was happily married to Prema, his wife of 64 years, and was a loving husband and selfless father to his daughters Kalpna, Kavita, and Sangita.

He received his bachelor’s of science degree in India, then married Prema at the age of 21. Afterward he traveled to England on an ocean liner and graduated from Durham University with a degree in electrical engineering. Karan loved sports. He represented Durham University in tennis and badminton, and participated in several national championships.

Family was a priority to him; he turned down a job offer in England to return to his wife in Calcutta, where he worked as an engineer in a chemical factory. Karan continued his work for the Birla Corporation for several years, and moved to D.C. in 1964 to become the CEO of Trader’s International. He moved back to India in 1976 to work for Hindalco in Mumbai, and later moved back to America for his children’s education.

Karan loved traveling, and he traveled all over the world. He gave up job offers and prestige throughout his life to be with his wife, care for his sick mother, and make his children happy. He was generous and humble, choosing to live a simple personal life while caring for his mother and donating to several charities. He was devoted to his family’s happiness, and was deeply religious and trusted God no matter the circumstances in his life.

He is survived by his wife Prema, brother Abhay, three daughters, seven grandchildren, and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, contributuions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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