Karl was born in Los Angeles, California on August 15, 1958 to Tokunari Clifford and Miyeko May Kawada. They had 7 children. They moved to the Silver Lake community shortly after their second child, Timothy Hideaki Kawada, passed away at 2 and a half years old. Karl was only 8 months old at the time.

Karl attended Micheltorena Elementary School, Thomas Star King Junior High School, then graduated from John Marshall High School. During his youth, Karl held various part time jobs during high school. Karl attended Los Angeles City College during and after high school where he received his Associate in Arts degree in Electronics. Karl met his future wife, Ruthie Villeza, in college. After college, Karl found full-time employment with the Savon's/CVS Drug Store Corporation. Karl and Ruthie dated, fell in love then married on February 13, 1982. They settled down in Sun Valley, California. They had three beautiful children, Thomas Yukio, William Akiro, and Kimberly Hiromi. Karl worked for the Savon's/CVS Corporation for approximately 26 years before his retirement. During his employment, Karl was successful in earning many promotions and accolades.

He was a very loving son, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Karl had many friends in his lifetime. He was popular and had a happy personality. He was a gentle soul. He always watched out for the younger and the weak. He had Mom's wisdom and Dad's sense of adventure. He was a peacemaker, a great counselor, and friend.

Karl had many hobbies that include fishing, inventing and building things. He loved music. He enjoyed working with wood and metals. Karl could make "junk" into incredible treasures. Karl had a strong aptitude for those things that were mechanical and electronic. He was great in mathematics and science. He loved motorcycles, cars, and bicycles.

Karl's life was a very difficult at times, but he chose to overcome and thus, lived a good and full life.

Karl is survived by his three children: Thomas Yukio Kawada, William Akiro Kawada (Stefany Pamela Azurida Kawada), Kimberly Hiromi Kawada (Alan "AJ" Cleary), his kitten "Baby. He has five Grandchildren: Felix Martinez, Alex Martinez, Charlie Cleary, Madelyn Cleary, Jace Kawada; two brothers: Quincy Hisao Kawada and Dean Takeo Kawada; a sister Jenny Mariko Kawada-Mack (Emile William Mack); seven nephews and nieces: Amanda Kamiko Kawada (Anto Ruiz), Tyler Toshio Kawada, Kyle Takumi Kawada, Michael Emile Mack, Miya Miyoung Mack, Lynne Matsuoka, Enzo Santiago Ruiz-Kawada, as well many dear friends and colleagues. Deceased wife: Ruthie Kawada; Deceased parents: Tokunari Clifford Kawada and Miyeko May Kawada; brothers Mark Hideo Kawada, Timothy Hideaki Kawada and Terry Kazuo Kawada.