Karen Blair

Karen Blair, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and partner, passed away in Omaha, NE on February 3, 2026, at the age of 72. Karen was born in Lawrence, KS on December 11, 1953, to Don and Alice Blair.

Karen received her associate degree from Cottey College in Nevada, MO, and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from the University of Kansas. She worked in the planning and analysis department of Union Pacific Railroad for nearly thirty years until her retirement in 2013, and her family would look forward to receiving calendars of Union Pacific trains each year for Christmas.

She was an active member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), both in Kansas and Nebraska, and served as a member of the Executive Board of the Nebraska State Chapter and as its President. Her mother, Alice, was also an active member of the organization Lawrence Chapter JJ and was President of the Kansas State Chapter. Karen worked tirelessly within the group to promote financial opportunities for women to reach their educational goals.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed knitting and needle point and was an avid Sudoku puzzle solver and Mahjongg player. She was an ardent and proud Jayhawk fan in a sea of Cornhuskers.

Karen was very dedicated to her family, making frequent trips back to Kansas for holidays and special events. She was generous and supportive, and shared many happy memories with both friends and relatives.

She is survived by her long-time companion Chris Callahan, sister-in-law Sandy Blair, her favorite (only) nephew Adam (Aimee) Blair, favorite (only) niece Kate Blair, grandniece Eady, as well as many P.E.O. sisters.

Her brother Jeffery Blair and her parents Don and Alice Blair preceded her in death.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A private interment will be held and Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Cottey College, a P.E.O project of your choice, or KAD Daisy fund.