Karen Sue Runyan

Karen Sue Runyan, 67, of Grapevine, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 4th, 2026. She was a courageous survivor of breast cancer for 24 years. Karen was born on December 3rd, 1958, in Dallas, Texas and raised in Grand Prairie by her parents, Kenneth and Kathryn Dougan. She graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1977 and earned an accounting degree from UT Arlington in 1981. In 1990 she married Jay Runyan and his son Landon, and they welcomed son Colin in 1992.

Karen was a deeply committed Christian whose faith was a guiding force in all she did. A dedicated Certified Public Accountant, she was highly regarded for her studious nature, meticulous organization, and strong work ethic. In her most recent professional role, she worked at The King’s University, a position she truly loved and in which she found great fulfillment.

Karen is remembered by her loved ones as a guiding light of wisdom and devotion. Her joy in being an active part of the younger generations' lives was matched only by the deep respect they held for her advice and care. She had a vibrant spirit and found great joy in traveling, exploring the magic of Disney, and watching fireworks with her family. As she entered her heavenly home on Independence Day, it brings her family peace to know she is now in Jesus' presence, greeted by a display even more glorious than the ones she adored here on Earth.

She is survived by her parents, Kenneth Dougan (Tommie) and Kathryn Dougan; loving husband, Jay Runyan; sons, Landon Runyan (Chelsi) and Colin Runyan (Alexandra); and her three cherished grandchildren, Avery, Annabel, and Luke. She also leaves behind four siblings: Sheree Scroggins (Mark), James Dougan (Danette), Carl Dougan (Rene), and Lisa Godfrey (Justin), as well as many dear nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10th, at 1:00 p.m. at Karen’s beloved workplace, The King’s University (2121 E. Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092), with a reception to follow. A private graveside service for the family will take place prior to the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Karen S. Runyan Memorial Scholarship at The King’s University, which can be made online at https://www.tku.edu/giving/in-memory-of-karen-runyan/.