Karen (Jones) O’Neill

Born in 1952, Karen (Jones) O’Neill is the second daughter and third child of Lloyd and Dorothy Jones of Goodwell. She attended grade school and high school in Goodwell where she played basketball, softball, and volleyball. Karen graduated from Goodwell High School in 1970 as valedictorian of her class.

After graduation, Karen enrolled at Panhandle State College, majoring in business management. While at PSC, she worked part-time at the Marvin E. McKee Library and was a member of the Newman Club. Karen would take a break from her studies to marry and have two children, Jeffrey and Stephen Walters, and relocate to Fort Riley, Kansas, with her first husband, Jimmy Walters. She would later complete her BBA in management from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in health services management from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. While at UMHB, Karen served as chapter president of the American College of Healthcare Executives student association and was named in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.

Karen currently lives in Conifer, Colo., with her husband, Jack O’Neill. She is self-employed in health care management. Jack is the vice-president of transit services with Paragon Project Resources, building light rail systems in multiple cities.

Karen and Jack are life members of the Panhandle State Association of Alumni and Friends.