George and Karen Bouchard

George Bouchard, age 62, Oronogo, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022. George was born June 25, 1959 in St. Clair Shores, MI. He was adopted by his Uncle Ernest Bouchard and Aunt Mary Bouchard. Who both have preceded him in death. George was married to Karen Smith on December 29^th, 1993. Karen Bouchard, age 63, Oronogo, Missouri, joined George on Friday June 10, 2022. Karen was born February 26, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri to John and Charlette Knowlton (Steinberg), both preceding her in death. George and Karen have one son, Robert Smith (And Angela) of Neosho. George and Karen have 3 surviving grandsons, Jonathan Smith (And Rachel) of Oronogo, Bryan Smith of Neosho and Terran Smith of Neosho. They were preceded in death by one grandson, Christopher Smith. George and Karen have 2 great grandsons. James Chapman and Caden Smith. George has one known surviving brother, Thomas Bouchard of New Jersey. Karen was preceded in death by one brother, William Knowlton of Carthage. Survivors include 4 brothers, John Knowlton, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lary Knowlton (Patricia), Heath, Texas, David Knowlton (Jenny), Newport News, Virginia, and Donnie Schoonover, Norman, OK; 5 sisters, Mary Ann Prisch (Ron), Joplin, Missouri, Charlene Evans, Joplin, Sharon Knowlton, Independence, KS, Carol Rose (Kevin), Oklahoma City, and Sharon Moreno (Jesse), Bullhead City, Arizona.

George owned and operated the Oronogo Bar for over 10 years. He also worked in manufacturing at Aaron’s automotive in Joplin and he worked in carpentry for the Economic Security Corporation until his early retirement due to health issues. George had incredible balance and coordination. He was a remarkable pool player, bowler, ice skater and roller-skater. He was also a martial artist. And he enjoyed singing, flying kites and picnicking and telling jokes.

Karen was in her first year of college at the age of 17, majoring in journalism and working part-time for a law office, when she became pregnant with her only child, Robert. She worked as a manager at different restaurants in the Joplin area until she joined George in owning and operating the Oronogo Bar. When they closed the bar, Karen worked over 20 years with Oxford Health Care as a caregiver for many. And when George became ill, she retired early in order to take care of him full-time. Karen enjoyed bowling and playing pool. She also enjoyed dancing, swimming and riding horses, and doing brain challenging activities. She was great with numbers and details. But more than anything Karen enjoyed doing. gardening and other yard activities

A service will be held be held for both of them at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.