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Karen Simmons And Thomas Owen Erb

Karen Simmons And Thomas Owen Erb obituary, Lawrence, KS

Karen Erb Obituary

Karen Simmons And Thomas Owen Erb

In Loving Memory of Karen Simmons Erb (June 4, 1944 – February 4, 2016) and Thomas Owen Erb (February 18, 1945 – November 27, 2015). Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Feb. 8, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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Karen taught children swim lessons at our clinic... she always had a smile on her lips and a song in her heart... she was a very beautiful person!
Lydia Neu

Lydia Neu

Friend

January 30, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Robert Fisher

Acquaintance

September 28, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Courtney Pauly

Friend

January 30, 2020

I met Karen Simmons during the intense and demanding period of Peace Corps Training at UCLA as we both prepared for our work in Nigeria. My memories of her are that she gave her very best and always spread a positive, generous spirit to everyone she met. As I read of her life with Tom after those early years, I realized what an extraordinary person Karen was to become as a parent and educator. Karen went about her life with grace and generosity, leaving us all better for having known her.
Sandra Demerly RPCV

July 3, 2016

I had always known Karen, but fell in love with her when she came to live with me in Madrid and then Tom when they came to visit me in California. They leave you a wonderful legacy of never giving up on life, continuing to pursue adventure and experience even as it became ever more difficult. You, their children and spouses and families know that you also participated in helping them stay a part of this world as long as was possible. Even as they nurtured you, you have become the nurturers. May their warmth, intelligence and love continue in your lives and in those whose lives you touch. I loved them.

Marcia Steere

March 25, 2016

As a high school classmate of Tom and a neighbor friend of Karen, I read of their accomplishments and passions and it made me inspired to try to do more. I'm so proud to have known them, and know their legacy will live on.

Kathleen DeVore

February 23, 2016

As Tom & Karen's chemistry, I am saddened by the report of their deaths. They each did lab assistant work for me and I saw that Tom became a "Distinguished Alum" for South Side High School in Fort Wayne, IN.

George DAVIS

February 16, 2016

My condolences to Tom and Karen's family. They and their children hold a warm place in my heart. Tom and Karen leave me many fond memories, both personal and professional. I'm so glad I knew them. Kathy von Ende

February 14, 2016

Karen and Tom were so special. Their home was always so warm and welcoming. I remember cooking and eating meals together and incredibly connecting conversations. They are an inspiration with their passion for travel, commitment to education and ever extending family. I feel grateful to have known them. I'm sorry for your loss and have all of you in my thoughts.

Amanda Reves Brinton

February 12, 2016

Chris, Greg, Brian, and Emily,
We were really saddened to hear of your parents' deaths. Your family was one of the Pinckney "classic" families, and your caring parents were so committed to you. What a wonderful feeling for them to smile down on you all and realize what a great legacy they have left behind. Wishing you peace.
Steve and Mary Grant

February 12, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about your parents!! Greg, do you remember your back rehab??? Your Mom was right there by your side... Karen taught kid swim in our pool for years... I then took care of your Dad for awhile.... I have no idea what happened that God took them away so soon... but the thought that they are together is very comforting.... Again, I am so sorry... They were a beautiful couple!

Lydia Neu

February 10, 2016

Dear Chris, Greg, Brian, Emily

Your parents were kind, wonderful people. I consider myself blessed to have known them, and your family, for more than 30 years. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of playing with Greg at the big, interesting Erb house. I learned a lot about being human and connecting with others by just watching them. Laughter and love were ever present in Tom and Karen and their unique lives and spirits endure in their wonderful family. We will miss them. God bless you all.

Ryan Morrissey

February 8, 2016

Karen and Tom were delightful people, and Jack and I always enjoyed running into them at the Merc, downtown, on campus, wherever we saw them. Karen taught our daughters swimming, too, and I know Emily and Mollie Winerock darted about underwater with great confidence--a gift from Karen. We miss Karen and Tom and send our condolences and best wishes to their family.

Susan Elkins

February 8, 2016

courtney pauly

February 8, 2016

Meeting Karen was purely fate. Everything about her was nothing short of what would come to mind when the sun rises. She was pure love. Karen changed my life. I was and will forever be grateful for the chance to take care of Karen in her last year with us - although I don't know if I would say that it was me doing all the care-giving because Karen certainly took good care of me. I will always remember her warm touch, her soft hands, and her loving smile. There wont be a day that goes by that I don't think about her and the impact that she had on my life. Chris, Kim, Emily, Brian, Greg and family - I am so sorry for your loss and please know that I feel it too. Everyone who your Mom touched feels it, too.
She was an amazing woman who will be greatly missed.

All my love. xo

Courtney Pauly

February 8, 2016

We have lost a portion of our past. But people like Tom and Karen Erb are the reason our middle level education profession thrives today -- and can look forward to a promising future.
Tom and Karen were part of the golden age of middle schools. Their dedication to advocating for middle level youth and those who serve them is appreciated and admired. They touched many hearts and left a glow to keep us warm.
Another chapter of history closes as the middle level education world has lost two great friends and pioneers. My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Charlene Pike

February 8, 2016

Karen taught our young son swimming lessons 26 years ago. It was amazing to watch her work with him; so quiet and patient. I am forever grateful for the lessons she taught him...and it wasn't always about swimming. Thank you Karen. Our thoughts and prayers for the family in their loss of these two remarkable human beings.

Diane & Kenny Massey

February 8, 2016

Dear Chris, Greg, Brian, Emily, and families,

Your father and mother will always be in our memories as people who cared greatly about their family and their community. Our lives are richer because we had the good fortune to know them.

We are sorry for your loss.

Mike & Barb Malone

February 8, 2016

Tom, Marlene and myself were the three cousins on the Erb side; Tom being the oldest and most intelligent and Marlene and I possessing all the remaining great adjectives!! Knowing Tom and Karen as adults has been a pure pleasure and inspiration. Indeed their legacy has been in their family and each of you should be so proud. Rest in peace Tom and Karen and knowing you are together again brings a smile to my face. To each and every one of you, many hugs and much love as you go forward in your lives.

Jean Erb Schilling

February 8, 2016

Karen and Tom were wonderful colleagues and friends. A boat full of memories in our time at KU. It was a delight and most cherished of times. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Fred & Mary Rodriguez

February 8, 2016

Dear Chris, Brian, Greg, Emily and families, So sorry to hear about Karen and Tom. This must be an extremely difficult time for you. Tom and Karen were wonderful Pinckney Parents. They were supportive and helpful and always came to school with a smile. They will be missed by many. Sending warm thoughts your way. Their wonderful family is their legacy. May you find peace.

Gloria Jacob

February 7, 2016

Brian, Chris, Emily, Greg & Families,
May the love and devotion of your wonderful parents & grandparents continue to inspire you forever more.
The Flannery Family

February 7, 2016

Karen taught swimming lessons at our pool years ago. Many years after my son had finished with lessons I got a call from Karen. She had just returned from China and had a gift for him. She thought of him all those years later, while in China. She was remarkable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known such a human being.

Kay Almanza

February 7, 2016

Karen was my mentor and friend. The obituary didn't mention she taught swimming for many years in our community. She has saved thousands of children from drowning with her life saving method of teaching children how to roll to their back if they fell into water. She trained me in 1997 to continue this method, and I have a successful swimming business to this day because of her. I will forever be grateful for knowing this amazing and beautiful soul. Karen, thank you.

Claudine Malone Robke

February 7, 2016

A beautiful love story. Karen and Tom lived inspiring lives and leave four wonderful children to live their lives with the example they set.

February 7, 2016

You will forever be in our memory. We miss you and may you have eternal peace!

Chris, Greg, Brian and Emily--You are in our prayers. Karen and Tom were the best!

Nelly Ukpokodu

February 7, 2016

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory

601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

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