Karen Lynn (Bevins) Raper, 80, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022, in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Karen was born on Thursday, October 17, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Melvin Louis and Lucy (Wiest) Bevins. She was their only child. Karen grew up in Steger, Illinois, graduating from high school in 1960.
Karen married Wayne Edward Raper on August 26, 1961, in Crownpoint, Indiana. After marrying, Karen and Wayne made their home in Momence, Illinois until 1982 when they moved to Chandler, Oklahoma.
Karen worked as a librarian for the Chandler school system for 10 years, while simultaneously working for the Walmart in Chandler at the same time. She retired from the school in 1998 when her youngest child graduated. In 1999, she started working for National American Insurance Company, where she worked until her retirement in 2021.
Karen’s family was her world and she loved them fiercely. She greatly enjoyed her grandchildren and spending time with them and attending their school and sporting events.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Lucy Bevins; husband, Wayne Raper; and her son, Mark Raper.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, David Raper, Debbie Tislow and husband, Tony, and Jeff Raper and wife, Amanda, all of Chandler; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Raper of Chandler; grandchildren, Josh Raper and wife, Mersadez, Jacob Raper, Jaxton Raper, Hayden Raper, Emersyn Raper, Dallen Raper, all of Chandler, Trevan Tislow of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Connor Tislow and wife, Brianna of Wellston, Oklahoma; great grandson, Mark Raper of Chandler; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Funeral services for Karen were held December 21, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, Chandler, OK. Condolences can be expressed at www.parksbrothers. net. Services are in the care of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler, Oklahoma.