Karen Mae Parker

Karen is survived by her sons, Steven (Jodi) Parker of Shiocton, WI and Barry (Leslie) Parker of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Josh, Larson, Tom and Berkeley; brother, Merle (Virginia) Larson of Yankton, SD; nieces, Kathleen (Dale) Cutshall, Julie Larson, Jill Larson, Janie (Mark) Parker Holtz, Sally (Mario) Parker Menchaca; great-nieces and nephews; along with all of the others she treated as her own grandchildren.

Karen is preceded in death by husband, Jim Parker; sister, Margie Pursel; nephew, Brad Larson; and granddaughter, Rebecca D’Nel Parker.

Karen was born on March 5, 1941 in Wausa, Nabraska to Melvin and Rose Larson. She married Jim, in 1964. Karen was a stay-at-home mom for many years before continuing her education. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and then graduated from the University of Evansville in 1990 with a Master’s degree in Counseling. After that she enjoyed being a mental health counselor at Oakland City University for 20 years.

Her family and friends remember her as kind, loving, and generous, with a smile to share with anyone. Karen was always eager to meet new people and hear their story.

Karen loved singing and often participated in the Evansville Song Shine program. In her prime singing years she was a part of the Sweet Adeline’s group both locally and in CA. She attended Townsend Bible Church and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Evansville. Karen also loved the theatre. She was an active part of the Mt. Carmel Community College Theatre group for many years and played numerous roles over the years. Karen also enjoyed going to see plays, musicals and other performances whenever she could. Karen was an avid animal lover and always had pets. At last count Karen and family had 20 cats and 20 dogs over her lifetime. Karen was a world traveler and was eager to learn the culture of anywhere she went.

The Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on January 3, 2024 at Alexander Funeral Home – Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 26, with Pastor Ron David officiating. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Karen’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to It Takes a Village Animal Rescue.

The family would like to thank caregivers of Heart to Heart Hospice and the hospital staff at Deaconess Midtown for their care.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.