Karen Sue Dawson Lerch

Karen Sue Lerch, 87 of Beardstown, passed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

She was born October 22, 1938 In Greenfield, IL, the daughter of Virgil (Newt) and Blanche Copley Dawson. She married Marion Bert Lerch on November 3, 1956 in Rushville and he preceded her in death on April 29, 2024.

She is survived by her two sons Kevin (wife Debbie) and Greg Lerch both of Springfield; four grandchildren Danielle, Jami, Derrick, and Alex; five great grandchildren Jaidyn and Jacyn Logan, Joziah Wilson, and Mia Lerch, and Paisley Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter-in-law Rita Lerch, five sisters Freida Dawson (in infancy), Sadie Laverne Barnes, Shirley Sapp, Linda Dawson, and Judy Ann Griffey, and five brothers Virgil "Tom", Charles, Harold, John (in infancy), and Richard Dawson.

Karen was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and served him by teaching his word and praising him. Karen was a gifted vocalist and guitarist. She and her best friend Dorothy Emerick were "scouted" in their younger years but chose to stay close to home. She worked as a legal secretary in Rushville and was a court reporter known for her shorthand writing. Karen also was a janitor at First Southern Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church in Beardstown.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, February 6, 2025 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with Pastor Daryl Vermillion. Burial will follow in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the memorial home on Friday.

Memorials have been suggested to Beardstown First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.