Karen Young

Karen Louise Young went to her heavenly home on May 25, 2021 in College Station, TX, after a brief illness.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Karen at the Cowboy Church of Brenham on Sunday June 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. following the church service.

Karen was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Idolph and Lorene Crooks on July 13, 1939.  She was a graduate of Snyder High School, and earned her BS in Business with a minor in English from McMurry College in 1961.

She is survived by her loving husband, Burnis Eugene (Gene) Young Jr., her two daughters, Gena Wilimitis (husband Bernie), and Ginger Walker (Eddie Tanuz), her sister Patricia Pricer; grandchildren, Wyatt James Briggs (wife Kayliegh), Madison Walker (wife Marissa), and Morgan Walker.  She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews, Lynda Winter, Bryan Winter, Dawn Sims, Pamela Saddler, Traci Hanna, Matt Patterson, and Bart Waits.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Lorene and Idolph Crooks; her sisters, Jacque Hamiter, Kathie Patterson; and son-in-law Johnny Walker.

Karen was a woman of many talents.  She was a gifted musician and twirler.  She attended college on a music, academic, and twirling scholarship.  In college she met the love of her life, Gene Young.  She taught 7th and 8th grade English, could type 75 wpm on a “real” typewriter, and was an amazing seamstress making many of her own and her children’s clothing.  She was also a great businesswoman having owned and operated a turquoise jewelry store in the 1970’s, until she was robbed at knifepoint and decided that was enough of that.  She did all of this while raising two children and helping Gene with his growing insurance agency.

When the girls went off to college, Karen and Gene decided to combine their musical talents and formed a western swing band.  They performed in New Mexico and Texas, and even recorded an album!

But, by far, her most favorite thing in the world was dancing with her sweetheart, Gene.  They waltzed all over the southwest, making friends and delighting those who watched them.  We know she is dancing in heaven, and maybe even giving dance lessons.

Karen was known for her spunk, her wit, her intelligence, and love for her family and friends. She is already missed by many who knew her and especially those that were close to her.