Karen Louise Kidd

1949 - 2018

ABILENE - Karen (Bell) Kidd entered her heavenly home on Monday, July 2, 2018 in Abilene at the age of 69. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Allyson was the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with her.

Karen is survived by husband, Horton Kidd of Abilene; son, Monnie (Jennifer) Prater of Hamlin; stepdaughter, Kimi (Gary) McGee of Abilene; granddaughter, Allyson Prater of Hamlin; step-grandsons Wesley Chandler of Noble, OK and Bailey (Natalie) McGee of Dallas; step-great grandson Brantley Chandler of Noble, OK; sister, Michelle Bell of New Orleans, LA; sister-in-law Sabrina Bell of Pearland, TX; and nephews Brian and Brandon Bell. She is preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; father, Howard Bell; mother, Loyce Bell O'Connell; step-father, J.D. O'Connell; and brother, Dennis Bell.

Karen was born June 26,1949 in ¬¬¬Georgia to Howard Bell and Loyce Welch Bell while her father was serving in the Air Force. She graduated from Early High School in 1967 and furthered her education with degrees from Tarleton State University and Sul Ross State University. She married Horton Kidd in Odessa December 21, 1979 and began an adventure that led them traveling down many yellow brick roads in their RV, dancing, golfing, and just enjoying life together for almost 39 years. Karen had a long career in education working in Ft. Worth ISD, Ector County ISD, Big Lake ISD, East-End SSA, Eula ISD, Region 14 ESC and completing her career as a consultant assisting several area school districts.

Karen was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star at the local and state level. She was a member of Abilene #30 in Abilene and Friendship #1008 in Odessa. At the time of her death, she was serving as Grand Adah for the Grand Chapter of Texas, O.E.S.

A funeral is scheduled for Friday, July 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Brownwood. Visitation will be Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Davis-Morris Funeral Home in Brownwood. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Karen's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to UAMS Myeloma Institute at 4301 W. Markham St/716 Little Rock, AR 72205 or online at the UAMS Institute website. The family would like to thank the staff of the UAMS Myeloma Institute and especially Dr. Carolyn Aks, formerly of Abilene, for their care, dedication, and concern. Dr. Aks is more than a wonderful, compassionate physician. She maintained caring and special friendship with Karen and Horton that continues to this day. Karen was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2008 and celebrated a ten-year milestone in May which included an interview with the UAMS magazine because of her amazing journey and length of remission. The UAMS Myeloma Institute is an international leader in the research and treatment of multiple myeloma and related diseases, and patients throughout the world look to us as a source of hope and cure.