Karen Fairchild

Obituary

Karen Denise Fairchild, 72, of Elk City, Oklahoma passed away, Saturday, February 26, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.
Karen was born March 20, 1949, in Beaumont, Texas to L.B. Rice and Martha Dennis Rice. She graduated from Forest Park High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1966. Karen attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas where she studied home economics and sang with Soul Situation. Karen graduated from Lamar with her bachelor’s degree in May of 1971.
In 1970, Karen began a pen pal relationship with her friend Debbie’s brother, a solider by the name of Steve Fairchild in Germany. They continued writing until he returned home to the US about the same time Karen graduated Lamar. They began dating and were married November 27, 1971.
Through the years, Karen lived in many towns in Texas as Steve pursued his Funeral Director career and she kept the home. Karen loved nothing more than taking care of her family. She was known for her sweet spirit and kind ways. Karen’s favorite pastimes included singing in the church choir, traveling, collecting teacups, and cooking – she was quite the cook and always enjoyed trying out new recipes. Karen loved sports, but especially enjoyed cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers. A favorite job she had outside the home was working at Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, Texas where Karen took ice cream orders for shipping anywhere in the US. When grandkids arrived, Karen’s favorite hobby became spending time with them and attending their many activities. She was also very fond of her two cats, Belle and Bingo.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband Steve Fairchild and her parents L.B. and Martha Rice.
Karen is survived by son Mark Fairchild and wife, Misty of Elk City, Oklahoma, and their children Russell and Rozi; daughter Katharine Hunt and husband Matt of Lewisville, Texas, and their children Quinlan and Avinley; brothers Randall Rice and wife Elizabeth of Round Rock, Texas and Larry Rice and wife Joye of New Braunfels, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

The family will greet guests at the funeral home on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.