Karolyn Yocum

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Karolyn L. Yocum, 81, of Joplin, Missouri, died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Wednesday night, February 23, 2022, with her two daughters by her side.

Karolyn was born in Anderson, Missouri, at home, on October 19, 1940, to Orvis L. Statz and Louise (Bachler) Statz. She was the oldest of three sisters. Her father was a farmer and a dairyman. Her mother was an elementary school teacher.

Karolyn grew up on the family farm in Anderson. She was a farm girl, raising milk cows and participating in 4-H. She was known locally as a very talented and powerful singer. In her youth, she sang many solos and performed with local musicians, like Dabbs Greer.

Karolyn graduated from Anderson High School in 1958. She attended Pittsburgh State University, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She married (divorced in 1984) Gale R. Yocum on June 24, 1962, in Anderson.

Karolyn taught her first years of high school in Arma, Kansas as an English and Theater Arts teacher, then at the University High at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Missouri. She received her Master’s of Science in Teaching in 1966, Pittsburg State University. In 1975, she received her Education Specialist degree in classroom teaching at CMSU (now University Central Missouri) and Ph.D. in Speech Communication Education in 1980 from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. She continuously taught high school, later moving to university-level teaching and becoming a professor. Karolyn retired from Missouri Southern State University in 2009 and spent the next 13 years focusing on her new title, Grandma.

She is survived by her sister, Darlene Statz (Anderson, MO); a daughter, Melisande Statz-Hill (Lawrence, KS) and her husband, Benjamin Hill; a daughter, Monet Fischer (Jenks, OK) and her husband, Michael Fischer; five grandchildren, Donovan Hill (18), Conrad Hill (13), Dylan Fischer (16), Zachary Fischer (14), and Grayson Fischer (13).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orvis and Louise Statz, and her youngest sister, Mary Jean Statz.

There will be a visitation at 11 AM Wednesday, March 2 at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, MO, with the funeral service beginning at 12 PM, Pastor Sean Farver, officiating. Immediately following the service will be the graveside service in Anderson, MO, at the Anderson Cemetery. Later the same day, the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Wednesday at The Mansion/Alumni Center on the campus of MSSU.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established at MSSU in her name. Gifts can be made at www.mssu.edu/giving or by check to the Missouri Southern Foundation with Karolyn Yocum in the subject line, mailed to:
Missouri Southern Foundation
3950 E. Newman Road
Joplin, MO 64801

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.