Kara Ilene Herring was born at her home in Hill County, Texas on February 25, 1936 to Petty Marshall & Robbie Lou Blum Herring. Kara lived in Hill County until 1941, when the family moved to Holliday, Texas.
With the Christian nurturing of her parents, Kara chose to follow Jesus at age 8. She was active in her church and missions organizations for girls.
Kara excelled academically her entire educational career and earned many academic honors, including Holliday High School Class of 1954 Valedictorian and Most Likely to Succeed. During her school years in Holliday, she met Don Hammer. They became very good friends. But it wasn’t until after they were attending Hardin-Simmons University that Don finally realized it was Kara that he should be dating.
They married on June 21, 1957 and returned as Rev. & Mrs. Hammer for their senior year at Hardin-Simmons. Kara graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Math and Business Administration. Kara graduated summa cum laude. She earned numerous honors throughout her career, including the prestigious Minter Medal for top GPA each year at Hardin-Simmons.
Upon graduation, Don pursued seminary education. From the time they were married, Kara supported Don in his every pursuit, working as a seismic plotter, librarian, and a financial secretary for numerous companies, churches and seminaries. Not only did she work to help support their seminary years, she supported him as a Southern Baptist Pastor’s wife, Denominational Servant’s wife, and Seminary Professor’s wife while also being a role model to many.
Don & Kara had two children, Dathan E., born in 1962 and Rodney Lee, born in 1963, both in Fort Worth, Texas. With two growing boys, Kara showed her love by caring for her family and serving the church. She will be remembered fondly for her chocolate pies, cobblers and chocolate chip cookies, all of which disappeared just as soon as she made them. She was also noted for the faithful, sacrificial giving of herself.
Don & Kara served their entire professional career in Baptist denominational ministry, serving in numerous churches while also serving at the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Home Mission Board in Atlanta, Georgia, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2010, Don & Kara were awarded the Jesse Fletcher Award for Distinguished Mission Service by the Logsdon Theological Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University, an award given to those who exemplified lives driven by a consuming missionary conviction.
From years of visiting New Mexico and Arizona, Don & Kara developed a love for the Southwest and Native American culture. It wasn’t surprising that Don & Kara retired to Surprise (!) and Sun City West, Arizona, where they lived for 18 years, before returning to Kansas City for their remaining years.
Kara loved spending time with her husband and family. She loved to travel with Don. Her response to any of Don’s “do you want to…” questions was “I’d love to!“
Kara was a devoted and loving wife, caring mother, and friend to many throughout the United States and later overseas. Kara led mission teams and visited many countries. She also served in the churches Don pastored or they were members of, including Missions Committee Chair, volunteer in missions, and church librarian.
As people remember Kara, many things have been said: “Kara & Don were two of the most influential Christians”, “Kara & Don were/are such wonderful Christian witnesses”, “Kara was such an encourager”, “Kara & Don were cherished friends”.
Those who know Kara would agree that Jesus has already welcomed her into His arms and said, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
Kara was preceded in death by her parents, P.M. and Robbie Herring. She is survived by her husband Don of 64 years, sons Dathan (Jan) of Snellville, GA and Rodney (Debbie) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and sister Ladene (Russell) of Asheville, NC, as well as five grandchildren Dane (Jessica), Tyler (Lindsey), Brandon (Sayler), Brittany, and Daniel Luke (Megan) and 6 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Kara’s family request donations be made to: Restoration House of Greater Kansas City, 25713 S State Route K, Harrisonville, MO 64701; Restorationhousekc.org
