Karen V. Hinz

Karen V. Hinz April 20, 1943 – April 22, 2025

CLINTON, OK — Karen V. Hinz, 82, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at her home southeast of Clinton on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025.

Karen was born April 20, 1943, in Washington, D.C., to Orville and Lorene (Frost) Wylie. She was raised in Sunray, Texas, and graduated from Sunray High School in 1961. She attended Oklahoma Christian College, where she earned a degree in education and graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1964.

She began her teaching career in the Oklahoma City area, where she taught third grade until 1977. In August 1964, she married Delta Gene Chabino. He preceded her in death in March 1974.

Following her marriage to Joe Bill Hinz on March 19, 1977, in Oklahoma City, she moved to Clinton and began teaching third grade at Southwest Elementary in Clinton Public Schools. She retired from education in 1999 after a long and dedicated career.

Karen was an active member of the Clinton Church of Christ, where she taught Bible school, Ladies’ Bible classes, and Wednesday night children’s classes. She was a past president of the Oklahoma Christian College Women’s Association (OCCWA) and volunteered with organizations such as the Route 66 Museum, the Clinton Hospital Gift Shop, and the YMCA in Oklahoma City, where she taught swimming. She also led her daughter’s Brownie troop.

Karen enjoyed traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family. She especially loved being with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Delta Gene Chabino; and her sisters, Cherie Parr and Sue Burkett.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Bill Hinz of the home; two sons, Doug Chabino and wife Heather of Tulsa, and Andy Hinz and wife Julie of Italy, Texas; one daughter, Dawn Adams and husband Gary of Houston; six grandchildren, Katy Welch and husband Brandon, Kenzie Ogle and husband Turner, Jake Adams, Hunter Hinz, Luke Chabino and wife Macy, and Sadie Hinz; and one great-grandchild on the way.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Custer Avenue Church of Christ in Clinton with Pat Peters and Ryan Driskill officiating. Burial will follow at Bergthal Cemetery near Corn under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.

Donations can be made to Clinton Mission House in lieu of flowers, 300 S. 7th St. Clinton, OK 73601.