Roll Call Tribute

Karen C. McBee 

October 23, 1954 - October 10, 2024 

Dr. Karen McBee passed away in the early morning of Thursday, October 10th, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. She leaves behind her daughter Lydia McBee Reed and many loving friends and family.

Dr. McBee was a dedicated Biologist, Curator, Professor, Mother, and Friend. She was born October 23rd, 1954, to Whillamina Porter McBee and Clois McBee in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. McBee grew up on her family's farm outside of Brownwood, Texas, where she developed a deep passion for the ecosystem and fauna surrounding her. Inspired by the natural wonder surrounding her, she pursued biology academically at Baylor University, Texas Tech University, and Texas A&M University, focusing on Ecotoxicology, Vertebrate Morphology, and Wildlife Biology. Dr. McBee traveled worldwide, including Tiah Land, Mexico, and the greater part of the United States, to pursue learning and promote a better understanding of how we can protect the natural wonder that surrounds us. As a professor at Oklahoma State University, Dr. McBee worked hard to inspire, support, and encourage her students in the classroom, the field, or the laboratory, leaving behind a legacy of driven and passionate biologists and naturalists. In her free time, Dr. McBee enjoyed sewing, knitting, horseback riding, spending time with her daughter and pets, reading, and the arts. She enjoyed volunteering with humane societies and food kitchens and was always ready to provide impromptu lessons in biology to anyone interested in learning.

Dr. Karen McBee will be remembered as a passionate educator, dedicated naturalist, and loving friend and mother. Her strength, determination, and indomitable optimism will continue to inspire all who had the joy of knowing her.

"I come to the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and I am free. " - Wendell Berry