Karl H. Oyster Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at home in Virginia Beach, VA on May 13, 2026, following a lengthy illness.

Born on December 10, 1948, in East Liverpool, OH, Karl proudly served in the United States Navy for more than 20 years. He initially enlisted as a sailor before attending Officer Candidate School and retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. During his military career, he served in communications and intelligence operations and was stationed throughout the world, including assignments in Greece, Japan, Taiwan, and other overseas locations.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Karl devoted his career to helping others through counseling and education. He worked as a licensed professional counselor specializing in addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, and mental health services. He later served as a psychology professor at Tidewater Community College until his retirement following the Fall 2017 semester.

Karl married Amy C. Beldon in 1998, and together they shared many years of companionship and support. He was an avid amateur ham radio operator known by the call sign K1KO and greatly enjoyed the friendships and travel opportunities the hobby provided, including trips to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Karl was also a longtime fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He is survived by his wife, Amy C. Beldon; his brother, Richard N. Oyster (Catherine); and his bonus children, Jeremy Kent (Kate), Mathew Kent (Ali), and Bethany Kent (David). Karl will also be missed by his 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl H. Oyster Sr. and Anne Greene Oyster.

For the past decade, Karl faced dementia with strength and dignity while receiving devoted care from Amy, who remained by his side at home throughout his illness.

Karl will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to helping others through counseling and education, his love of amateur radio, and the quiet life he built with those closest to him.