I was good friends of her family during her childhood.  I remember her , parents  and siblings as she great up as a bright going woman.

I worked with Karen on Missouri Arts Council grant paperwork.  It was a pleasure working with her.  She was always friendly when we spoke on the phone.  
The Council appreciates her work and dedication to the arts.  

With Sympathy,
Joan White
Grants Manager
Missouri Arts Council

I remember Karen from High School and again from the Parks and Rec. when she hired me to teach art classes to children and adult. Karen had a very generous spirit and will be greatly missed. 

Sincerely

Laura Meadows


Karen - Just one hell of a woman!! I was Director of First Night for ~5 years.  We were lucky enough to have Karen join our small committee near the beginning. She was so amazingly competent and organized! We went from being a small event to a HUGE event, 12 venues, our own non-profit organization. Karen served on the board throughout.  We both had a vision, and our visions were often different, but our differences contributed to the making of a kick-ass event. Karen and I were both going through life changes, and I felt supported by her even in the midst of the intense business of coordinating this huge even! I was not a fan of fireworks, but Karen said we needed to have them.  And she was right.  They took the event to a whole new level.  
Then there was the year of Y2K, First Night 2001. Karen was working with the fireworks vendor on the roof of the Courthouse. Some 7,000 people were gathered on the Courthouse Plaza to celebrate the turning of the Millenium.  We had a big sound system and a plan to count down at midnight, sing Auld Lang Syne, and then shoot the fireworks. I was helping to MC, was coordinating via walkie-talkie.  We began the countdown, and right at midnight the sound and electricity went completely off! There were 7,000 very nervous people standing there.  We were singing as loud as possible and I was on the walkie-talkie with Karen saying, "Shoot the fireworks!!" She was saying, "We're not ready!! You're ahead of time!!" Then she ran down the row of prepared fireworks and helped set them off! In retrospect it's hilarious!
Since I resigned from First Night, I have run into Karen from time to time.  Each time we have an intense conversation, checking in on our "progress."  I know from these conversations how very wanted and loved you are, Blake.  And Rick, how very wonderful that you two found each other after many years. That was meant to be. With love and much gratitude for Karen's presence in my life, in the community and the world, Win

I was so sad to read of Karen’s passing. I worked closely with her in the mid nineties on a community board. I enjoyed getting to know her. I could always count on her to be the voice of reason during some tumultuous times. We had some great times together. I had not seen her for many years but ran into her at Aldis around the Christmas holiday this past year and enjoyed catching up with her. She shared her journey with cancer and seemed hopeful. I am so very sorry for your loss. Treasure your many joyful memories. The article in the Missourian captured the character of the Karen I knew. Bless you all. 

Rick- so sorry for your loss,   I feel like a heel not coming to the service in Columbia today but the Covid-19 thing has me staying at home.  My prayers will continue for you and your son.  Hope you can make it up to Mexico again sometime and I'll see you in person then.      JJ

Rick and Blake,
We remember Karen as a beautiful person inside and 
out.  
Christmas Eve was special for all of us.   
God will see us through this.
We love you.
Butch and Pat

I have known Karen since we were 3 years old. We grew up together as I lived across the street from her. The Dothage family is my family too. Karen and I spent so much wonderful  time together. So many fun (and sometimes crazy) things we have done. She is and always will be my soul sister. I remember her mom calling my mom in the early morning hours when we were out too late., and we even got in trouble together. I miss her deeply, I do know she is with God now, as she is a true angel.

Blake I was so sorry to see the passing of your mother. When I met your mom when I was your teacher at Two Mile Prairie I could tell then what a remarkable mom and woman she was. I know how greatly she wanted the best for you and I know you will continue to make her proud. I give you my deepest sympathy and pray that the special memories you have you will hold dear to your heart.

Oh my! This took my breath away. It has been about a year since I last saw Karen.  I was in the same Girl Scout Troop in late elementary and Jr. High School as Karen. Growing up we learned how to camp, sail, hike, fish and canoe in our troop.  Her mother often joined us on those camping trips. Karen and I once parked our canoe and swam all the way back to camp on the Little Piney River. I haven't thought about that since then! Our troop raised enough money one year to travel to Florida/Disney World. Oh, the fun we had during that trip! Karen's favorite song was "Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward. Karen would turn the radio dial up and down in the car until she found that song and dance away in her seat as we traveled to Florida and back. By the time we hit the Smokey Mts. our leader threatened to throw the radio out the window and I hated that song for a long time! In high school it was Karen and a few of the other girls who convinced me to join the Flag Team at Rock Bridge High School my Junior and Senior year. What a blast we had! Karen of course, was our captain. She was firm but her shy smile gave away that she wasn't THAT firm. Karen was so fun and loving in the group, often taking care of others.  After college and we began our careers, I would see Karen at the Columbia festivals and we'd catch up. I am going to miss my childhood friend so much.

My husband Jim and I worked with Karen at Paquin Tower Parks and Rec. She was a strong woman who always seemed willing to find solutions to whatever came along. Blessings to her family and friends.

I was so saddened to hear of Karen's passing.  I loved working with her and will always remember how smart, kind and positive she was.  She was an exceptional event planner and I often used her work on tourism funding applications as an example for others. She was patient and absolutely dogged in her determination when there was something that needed to be done.  It was an honor to know her. I can't imagine the void her passing has left not just in her family but with her many, many friends.  There is consolation in knowing how many great memories each of them will cherish. 

I was blessed to unite Karen and Richard in holy matrimony. I am blessed to have smiled and laughed with Karen. May she rest well in the arms of her Lord. Always, Bill and Shelia Thompson. 

Within the first few minutes of meeting Karen for the first time, I thought what a dear, sweet, kind, compassionate, considerate, loving human being Karen is!  She was all that and more for the years that followed.  We have lost a very special woman but God has gained an angel.
I'm so sorry for your loss Rick and Blake. I mourn with you.

Sharon Hunn Balsavias


I'm so sorry to hear about Karen's passing.  Karen was one of the original flags in the Rock Bridge Marching Band when I became the director in 1980. It was a special time for me as it was for Karen and the other girls in those early years of the program.

I can seriously still hear her voice.  

My deepest condolences,
Rich Hadfield

I remember Karen as practical, accomplished, confident and brave.  She gave heart and soul to her family and community, and she leaves some with us.  Rest easy.

Dearest Rick and Blake, Our hearts are shattered with tears with Karen's passing.  Knowing she is with Our Father in Heaven gives us strength and hope that someday there will be a cure for cancer.  She never gave up trying to beat this beast that took her from her loving family and friends.  May you rest peacefully, Karen.

Judy, Darby and Lacey

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Karen L. Chandler

23 mai 1965 – 1 septembre 2020

Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service