Karen Sue Mechem

Karen was born in Athens, Ohio on February 8, 1944 to Oliver and Helen Walls. Karen graduated from Athens High School in 1962 and upon her graduation moved to Washington D.C. and was hired as a Congressional Liaison Secretary for the Army at The Pentagon.

Karen accepted a marriage proposal and moved to California with her future in-laws, Joe and Elizabeth Mechem where they awaited the return of Joe “Buck” Mechem, her future husband. At the time, Buck was serving in the United States Army and deployed in Germany. It was a long wait and a highly anticipated return, but when the dust cleared, the two married on June 25th, 1964 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hanford, CA.

The couple welcomed their son Brad in 1965 and daughter Lisa in 1967. Life was busy raising two young children when Karen began her successful 46-year career as the secretary to over 20 consecutive Commanding Officers at the Lemoore Naval Air Base. In 1969, Karen was hired as a temporary employee working for the controller. Shortly after she moved “upstairs” and became the XO’s secretary, which was the first time this position was awarded to a civilian. In 1980, Karen began serving as the commanding officer’s secretary and never left.

It was at the Lemoore Naval Air Base where she developed long-lasting relationships with many officers and their families. In 2014, Karen took an early retirement to manage her cancer diagnosis. Upon her retirement, Karen became the only civilian to ever have a park on a Naval Air Base named in her honor, Karen Mechem Park.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Joe “Buck” Mechem; her parents, Oliver and Helen Walls; her in-laws, Joe and Elizabeth Mechem; her brother, Ronnie Walls; and her sister, Eileen Bratton. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her son, Brad Mechem and wife Donna; daughter, Lisa Johnson and husband Craig. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Savannah (Josh) Wetzel, Nick (Brit) Mechem and Dillon Mechem; and four great grandchildren; Ethan, Camden, Cole and Jeremy.

Family and friends are invited to view Karen Mechem’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Karen Mechem.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at 5:30 pm at People’s Funeral Chapel located at 501 N. Douty St. Hanford, CA.