Karen Kay Allman Oerter

Karen Kay Allman Oerter, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Arlington, TX on September 15, 2025.

Born on September 29, 1941, in Davenport, Iowa, Karen was the daughter of Paul William Allman and Arlene McLaughlin Allman. She grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she spent cherished days on the beach, watching shrimp boats glide across the Gulf, and listening to her beloved Elvis Presley. Alongside her sister Nancy, she spent most of her time working at her family’s iconic restaurant, Allman's Seafood on Biloxi Bay.

Karen attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) before marrying Ronald Gene Oerter. The couple met at the Officer’s Club in Biloxi while Ron was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base. They later settled in Arlington, Texas, where they raised their two children, Shawn and Steve.

Karen's favorite time of year was the Holiday Season where she took great joy in decorating and preparing her home for the Annual Interlochen Christmas Light Show. She loved to entertain festive gatherings and host Holiday parties. Her house was always filled with family and friends sharing laughter and good cheer.

In recent years you could always find Karen watching college football, enjoying her favorite music, or curled up with one of her purring cats. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her.

Karen is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Shawn Oerter Wiley; son, Steve Oerter and his wife Nancy; grandchildren Dillion Wiley and wife Lillian, Haley Wiley; great-grandchildren Desmond, David, and Magnolia; sister Nancy Preston; nephew Scott Preston; and niece Holly Preston McIntyre.