Karen S. Thomas, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the age of 59. She was born on Wednesday, April 12, 1967, in Kansas City, Missouri. Karen lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her community.
A proud graduate of Chillicothe High School in 1985, Karen went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Missouri Western in 1990. Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career as the Executive Director of the Green Hills Community Action Agency in Trenton, Missouri, where she made a significant impact on countless lives. Karen was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and a dedicated season ticket holder for 33 years. She found joy in bowling and was an active member of the Chillicothe MO USBC, participating in the Trailblazers league. Her love for travel, spending time with her nieces and great nephews, and caring for her beloved dogs, Honey, Petey, and Tucker, brought her immense happiness.
Karen is survived by her two sisters Carolyn Schmidt and her husband Larry of Spickard, Missouri, and Sheryl Whiteman-O’Dell of Chillicothe, Missouri. She leaves behind three cherished nieces, Ashley Schmidt, Megan Peters and her husband Brad, and Emily Hight and her husband Andy, as well as five adored great nephews, Marshall, Corbin, Jake, Burke, and Drew. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Gupton, and her brother-in-law, Don O’Dell.
Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Missouri on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation is scheduled at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Burial will held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Forest O. Triplett Animal Shelter, honoring Karen’s love for animals. They may be left or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.