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Karen Ann Christian, age 77, returned to her heavenly home on February 18, 2023, in Allen, Texas. She was born March 11, 1945, in Long Beach, California to James and Willa Lee Hines. After graduating Altus High School in 1963, Karen attended Oklahoma State University where she was an Alpha Chi Omega and baton twirler with the OSU marching band. Her time at OSU was shortened when she met the love her life, Robert A Christian Jr. who was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force stationed in her hometown of Altus. They were married June 19, 1965, and shortly thereafter began traveling the United States and started a family with the birth of their sons, Rob, and Mike. Her husband’s career took them to Houston, Vermont, New York, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis. Karen spent her time during these years raising two rambunctious boys who both became St Louis City Police Officers and later followed in their father’s footsteps becoming Special Agents in the FBI. Being a spouse and mother to men in law enforcement was no easy feat. An unwritten rule with her sons was if there was news of an injured officer, they called home to say they were okay. She also worked during these years as a bank teller and teacher prior to finding her passion as a Real Estate Agent with Gundaker BH& G/Coldwell Banker in St. Louis. Karen was a top producing agent for many years and was awarded numerous accolades. Her love for developing relationships with others and seeing their dreams become reality came naturally to her. She had a servant’s heart and often volunteered in the communities and in the churches they attended.
As a grandmother, she and Bob would host weekend sleepovers and summer getaways for the grandkids as well as cheer them on at their sporting events throughout the years. A generous giver of hugs, love, guidance, and quick wit, she loved each one of them immensely.
After Bob and Karen retired, they moved to Allen, Texas, where their eldest son resided to help raise their grandchildren. Karen quickly became involved in local volunteer organizations including the North Dallas Newcomers where she served as President twice. She and Bob joined First United Methodist Plano where Karen served in many roles including greeting and ushering, and assisting with dinners for local displaced families who were sponsored by the church. Karen often was the first one to invite new members out for coffee or to dinner in their home. She and Bob played bridge several times a month, often hosting in their home where Karen would offer a tasting of a new recipe she found. Karen loved to cook for her family and friends, preparing her latest finds. It was important to Karen to share God’s love and kindness to others. Often, she would do small acts of kindness like taking her hairdresser’s assistant out to lunch or giving a service provider a gift card of thanks. Her favorite spot was Starbucks and often had many a Starbuck’s gift card on hand to give to an unknowing recipient. As she came to the end of Alzheimer’s, one of her favorite treats was her Caramel Macchiato.
Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert “Bob” Christian Jr, just 3 months prior; her father James Hines; her mother Willa Lee and stepfather Arthur Goodwin, sister Margie Garrison; stepbrother Lynn Goodwin; stepsister Jane Goodwin
Karen is survived by her sons Robert (Lisa) Christian III of Allen, Tx, and Mike (Anne) Christian of Wildwood, MO; sister Linda Chisum of Placentia, Ca.; brother Jim (Joyce) Hines of Clarksville, TN; Grandchildren: Taylor, Bailey, Danielle (Matt) Blum, Michael (Grace), Kyle, Nicholas, Joey, and Brett. Numerous brothers and sisters -in- law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place at First United Methodist of Plano on Friday May 12, 2023, at 10am. Internment with her beloved Bob will follow at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas at 2:15pm
The family would like to send a gratitude of thanks to the wonderful team at Precise Personalized Care Hospice.
Flower donations may be made through Allen Flower Shop: www.allenflowershop.com
If desired, contributions may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org
Condolences may be sent to https://everloved.com/life-of/karen-christian/
