Olen Karl

Olen William Karl, 83 of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Carmel Hills Living Center in Independence, MO. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery near Emma, MO. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday evening at the chapel. Donations may be made in his name to the St. Luke’s United Church of Christ 727 N. Main St., Independence, MO 64050. Olen was born December 1, 1928 in Emma, MO to Paul and Emma (Kuecker) Karl. He grew up in Emma, MO and attended public schools there and had worked for the Emma Grain Elevator prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge from the Army he spent a short time in Emma before moving to Independence to work as a truck driver for Santa Fe Truck Line until he retired after 30 years in 1984. He was a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Teamster’s Union Local #41, the Kansas City Ararat Shrine and the Masonic Lodge #76 AF&AM. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and most of all spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marguerite of the home; 2 daughters, Phyllis Hughes and husband Lee of Oak Grove, MO and Wanda McGonigle and husband Jeff of Independence, MO; grandsons, Richard Hughes, Brian Hughes, Christopher Arnone, Paul Arnone; great granddaughters Julie Hughes and Amelia O’Banion.