Marian LaVada (Hull) Karr, 97, of Portland, TX, formerly of Troy, KS, went on to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus when she passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at Windsor Nursing and Rehab of Corpus Christi, TX. She was born April 13, 1928, in Morrison, OK, the daughter of John and Florence (Law) Hull.
Marian’s family moved many times around Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas until they landed in Troy, where she graduated from Troy High School in 1946. She was a member of the Methodist Church. She and Earl Laurance Karr were married on February 23, 1952, at First Methodist Church, St. Joseph, MO. He was the love of her life. She worked as a Missouri River toll bridge toll collector in Kansas City; alongside her husband Laurance, who was funeral director in Wathena; as a loving housewife; as a funeral home office assistant in Corpus Christi, TX; and then many years enjoying life in retirement. Marian always enjoyed time outdoors, and over the years enjoyed the company of many Sheltie, and later Yorkie dogs. Later in life, she became very good friends with Paul Kramer of Portland, TX. They enjoyed many happy years spending time together and traveling.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband Laurance on August 20, 1984. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John M and Florence E (Law) Hull; an infant brother, Harley and an infant sister, Dorothy Jean; sisters Ruth F “Sis” Hull and Mary Belle Gaul; and brothers Dean, Tom, John R, and Hillman Hull; a niece Pamela (Hull) Pickerell; and a beloved best friend, Paul W Kramer of Portland.
Survivors include nephews Dr. Bradley (Sheila) Gaul of Troy, Mark Gaul of Excelsior Springs, MO, and David Hull of Troy; nephew-in-law, Jimmy Pickerell, Troy; Great nephews Jared Pickerell, Brian, Brett, Casey, Dylan, and Cody Gaul; and Great niece Jena (Pickerell) Williams.
There is no scheduled family visitation.
Funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 7, at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Pastor Tim Champ officiating. Burial with graveside service will be at Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy. Memorials may be made to Harbor Hospice or Portland Animal Care Services c/o Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, P.O. Box 426, Wathena, KS 66090.
