Karen Rena DeSpain

Karen Rena DeSpain, 59, died Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. 

Born Sept. 28, 1966, in Danville, she was the daughter of the late Maurice Thompson Sims and Margaret Jewell Savage Sims. 

She retired from Hitachi Astemo after 30 years and worked at the Mercer Skating Rink in her youth.

Survivors include: two daughters, Angela DeSpain and Dawn (Cole) DeSpain both of Harrodsburg; one brother, Ronnie (Kelly) Sims of Harrodsburg; one sister, Donna McKenzie of Harrodsburg; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Keith Sims.

Graveside services will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Grapevine Christian Church Cemetery with Allen Neal officiating. 

Pallbearers will be James Sims, Ricky Savage, Justin Williams, Patrick Sims, Doodle Coontz and Cole Smith.

Visitation 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at  alexanderandroyalty.com.