Karen Lou Semple

Karen Lou Koch Semple, of Groesbeck, passed away at her home on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at the age of 68.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Groesbeck at 2 pm, with visitation held before the service,beginning at 1 pm, at the church.  Rev. Keith Collier will be officiating at the service.

Karen Lou was born in Waco to George Koch and Wilma Jean Bradley Koch.   She grew up and attended school in Groesbeck, graduating in 1969.  She was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church in Groesbeck, while growing up and after she moved back to Groesbeck. 

Karen’s roots run deep in Limestone County.  Her grandfather, J.E. “Jim” Bradley practiced law here for 50 years and was instrumental in the founding of the Farmers State Bank in Groesbeck.  He also owned and operated the Circle J Ranch with her grandmother, Josie Moore Bradley.  

Her parents, George and Jean Koch, were on the Board of Directors of the Farmers State Bank from 1950 to 1973.  Her father was mayor of Groesbeck from 1955 -1966.

Karen married George Semple on May 19, 1980.   They lived in Austin over 40 years where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Kelly.    They had a very active life filled with family trips, school activities, and sporting events.   Karen was very active in the Women’s Team Tennis Association of Austin during her years in Austin.

As a little girl, Karen was very close to her dad.   She and her dad would ride the pasture looking for calves.  While he drove, she would cut pieces of cheese and they would eat cheese and crackers.  Most days they would stop and fish.   Her dad taught her many things, such as how to play golf, tennis, basketball, and baseball.   Her mother taught her manners and often told her “to treat others the way you want to be treated.”

Karen Lou was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William Earl and Kenneth James Koch; her grandparents, J.E. “Jim” and Josie Bradley, and George and Olga Koch; and uncles and aunts, B.L. and Gussie Lou Bradley, and Colbert and Leanette Gregory.

She is survived by her husband, George Semple of Groesbeck; daughter, Lisa Kallman of Brownwood and daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Adib Khoury of Austin; godson, Chase Smith and wife Kristen of San Antonio; her precious grandchildren, Payton, Benjamin and Samuel Kallman of Brownwood, McCall and Carla Carothers of Austin, Joshua and Mackenzie Khoury of Austin, and Ali and Cole Smith of San Antonio; and numerous cousins and friends.

One of Karen’s favorite quotes was “If you want to give God a laugh, tell him your plans.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Leukemia Association (P.O. Box 98016, Washington, D.C. 20090-8016) and the Backpack Ministry at Citizens State Bank, Groesbeck (254-729-3054.)