Karen Hogaboom

August 12, 1948 - November 8, 2018

Karen Jeanette Hogaboom, age 70, of Hot Springs, left this world on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Born on August 12, 1948 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Karen was the youngest of three children and only daughter of Lindrel Sr. and Otma Bradley Hogaboom. She was raised and educated in Hot Springs, a 1966 graduate of Hot Springs High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Karen worked as an ophthalmology assistant to Dr. Ronald Bracken for many years, and for more than twenty years served Hot Springs Radiology Services as the Radiologists Administrative Assistant. However, Karen may have best been known for her dedication and endless hours of service at her beloved church home, Central Baptist Church. Karen was a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church, she faithfully attended every Sunday, but also served as a caretaker and custodian in a variety of ways. She took great care in providing music as the sound technician, coordinating and decorating for countless services, holiday celebrations, weddings, and funerals. She oversaw years of maintenance, repairs, events and fundraising efforts to a successful end. Karen deeply loved her family, friends, the outdoors and sports. She had a lifelong positive impact on her family, she was not just an aunt, she was an influencer, molding and shaping each childhood with memories still treasured today. Karen was more often seen riding her bicycle than driving her truck, she cared for the lawns at both her home and church, and not only was Karen a fiercely competitive softball player, she attended countless football, basketball, baseball and softball games supporting all the members of her family. Karen raised and loved her dogs as her children and regarded pets as family members. Preceding her in death, her parents, Lindrel Sr. and Otma Hogaboom and her brother, Lindrel Hogaboom Jr. She is survived by her brother, Jan Hogaboom (Melanie), nephew Paul Hogaboom (Darla), nieces, Janette Bales, Joy West and Kristin Babb. Her grand nieces and nephews, Katie Merrill (Chris), Jack Hogaboom, Carter West, Brady and Brynna Bales, Karson Babb and great-grand nieces, Olivia and Evelyn Merrill, Bill and Patsy Hall and “all her favorite cousins”, her dear, long devoted friend, Diane Becker as well as her beloved dog, Cali. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 10:00 am at Central Baptist Church with Dr. David Mitchell and Brother Coy Sample officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are members and staff of Central Baptist Church, and the doctors and staff of Hot Springs Radiology. In lieu of flowers, donations may made to Central Baptist Church or Garland County Humane Society.