Karen Hequembourg Clevidence

Karen Ann Hequembourg Clevidence, age 83, formerly of East Prairie, MO, died Monday, February 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV, where she had resided that last few years.

Born on October 22, 1942, in Cairo, Illinois, to Lorene and Frank Hequembourg, Karen grew up with a love for both learning and music. At Charleston High School, she proudly served as a majorette and played clarinet in the band. She went on to study education at Southeast Missouri State College, preparing for a career that would allow her to shape young lives.

Karen began her teaching career in Charleston and later continued her work in East Prairie, where she was known for her dedication and care for her students. An active and engaged member of her community, she generously shared her time and talents with those around her.

Music remained a constant joy throughout Karen’s life. She played guitar and dabbled at the piano, wrote dozens of songs. As a lifelong Methodist she sang in numerous church choirs. Karen cherished every opportunity to collaborate with fellow musicians or simply to sit in a room filled with song — moments that brought her deep happiness and connection.

She had a patient sense of humor. She would lay in wait for the perfect time to drop a comment that would bring the house down.

Karen is Survived by Son, David Clevidence; Daughter in Law, Mary Clevidence; Grand Daughter, Kaitlyn Clevidence; Twin sister, Kay Luttrell, Sister in Law, Susan Clevidence Staats, Brother in Law, John Staats, Sr.; Nephews: Mike Luttrell, John Luttrell, Brad Hequembourg, Tommy Lawless, Richard Lawless, John Staats; Nieces: Liz Lawless Labath, Kathy Lawless, Mary Hequembourg Johnson, Cheryl Hequembourg Brent, Amy Luttrell Davis. Emily Staats. Several Grand Nieces and Nephews.

Preceded in death by, Husband Robert Clevidence; Brother Terry Hequembourg, Sister in Law, Judy Hequembourg; Brother in Law, Arvell Luttrell; Brother in Law, Tom Lawless Sr.; Sister in Law, Mary Ruth Clevidence Lawless; Niece(namesake) Karen Emily Luttrell

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests memorial gifts be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at- http://events.stjude.org/RememberingKaren

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.