After a year-long bout with lung cancer, Karen Regina (Young) O’Neal passed away at home April 20, 2026, surrounded by her family.  Karen was born to Ivan Ordway and Mildred Marie (Henson) Young on January 5, 1952 in Springfield, MO. At the age of 42, Mildred gave birth to Karen, the youngest of three children, 24 and 22 years, respectively, after her siblings, Kenneth Young and Marlene (Young) Dillon.  As a child, Karen’s greatest joy was learning to play the piano her father, Ivan, saved for, purchased and brought home to Karen’s joyful surprise!  At age 12, Karen lost her father to his own bout with cancer leaving she and Mildred to provide for themselves.  Karen was very intelligent and took her studies seriously, graduating a year early from Springfield’s Central High School in 1969.  Through her teen and young adult years, Karen always had a job and worked hard for various businesses in Springfield.  At age 22, Karen married Howard Trent with whom she gave birth to sons, Jason and Ryan.  After Howard’s untimely death, Karen later married William Bradford (Brad) O’Neal and gave birth to her third son, Dustin.  From childhood, Karen’s dream was to become a nurse and at age 30 she entered college eventually graduating top of her class from St. John’s School of Nursing.  Karen loved being a nurse and worked her way up to Director of Nursing at multiple long-term care facilities.  One of her career highlights was caring for her elderly mother, Mildred, at Mt. Vernon Nursing Home.  In addition to her career, some of Karen’s favorite activities were playing piano and singing in church, time at the lake, crappie fishing and attending her son’s sporting events; especially their football games at Fair Grove High School.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Mildred Young, sister, Marlene Dillon, brother, Kenneth Young and the following nieces and nephews who were really more like cousins:  Denny Dillon, Lee Dillon, Theresa Young and Mike Young.  Karen is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Brad O’Neal.

Karen is also survived by:

Sons – Jason O’Neal (Mikelle), Ryan O’Neal (Phyllis), Dustin O’Neal (Amanda).

Grandchildren – Alexandra Gentry (Ethan G.), Jessica Duffy (Matt), Ethan B. O’Neal (Sierra), J.J. O’Neal, Leiah O’Neal, Hannah O’Neal, Antonia (O’Neal) Salley (Josh), Easton O’Neal, Brecklyn O’Neal, Jacob Anderson (Samantha) and Jordan Anderson (Isabell).

Great Grandchildren – Ruthie Gentry, Jake Gentry, Maggie Gentry, Ames Duffy, Callahan Duffy, Julian Duffy, Jaydalyn Salley, Ariella Salley, Parker Anderson, Maverick Anderson, Jameson Anderson.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00pm on April 21, 2026 at Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield, MO.  Funeral Service will be held 10:00am on April 22, 2026 at Greenlawn North to be followed by a graveside service officiated by Pastor Steve Schultz.  Flowers and cards may be sent to Greenlawn North Funeral Home, 3506 N. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65803.

Her care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.