Obituary for Karen Tapp

Karen Lea Tapp

October 14, 1940 – January 30, 2023

On Monday, January 30, 2023, Karen Lea (Gravel) Tapp passed away at the age of 81.

Karen was born on October 14, 1941, in Ponca City, OK to Leonard Leon (Bus) and Betty Jean Gravel. Karen spent her younger years growing up in Edmond, OK and then moved to Tonkawa, OK during high school. Karen graduated from Tonkawa High School and attended a year at Northern Oklahoma College. After that Karen changed her career course and attended cosmetology school and then opened her own shop “Karen’s Coiffures” in Tonkawa, OK.

On April 9, 1965, she married Claude Albert (Buddy) Tapp Jr. Karen and Buddy raised two daughters, Jennifer Alpe and Nicole Hope. Karen was very involved in her girl’s activities by attending endless cheerleading events with her oldest daughter Jennifer and supporting Nicole in all of her of sporting events. Karen was also involved with many activities at her church, Skelly Drive Baptist, while her family lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In 1986 Karen & Buddy moved to Edmond, Oklahoma. During this time Karen worked at several hair salons in Edmond over the next 30+ years. Karen was loved by all of her clients not only for her excellent skills doing hair, but her sassy attitude provided an entertaining experience while sitting in her chair. Karen was also an avid Oklahoma State University fan. She loved the “Pokes” and was a football season ticket holder for over 30 years. If you were unfortunate enough to let her know you were an OU fan, she would definitely give them grief.

Karen’s faith in God and reliance on His provision and grace sustained her throughout her life. Faith Bible church in Edmond, Oklahoma was her precious church home. Karen was always sharing with her friends and family the books written and sermons recorded by her beloved pastor Mark Hitchcock. Her Godly family at Faith Bible was very important to her and her husband Buddy and played a big part of their lives.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Buddy. Karen is survived by her brother Marc Gravel, two daughters and her grandchildren Cody (Becca) Fontenot, Madeline (Austin) Wilhelm, Trevor White, and her great-granddaughter Adlee Clair Fontenot.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma at 10 o’clock a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to FaithWorks Of The Inner City, 1300 S. Byers Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73129.