Obituary of Karl Koenig

Karl passed away peacefully on November 24, Thanksgiving Day, 2022. He was born on September 14, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri. He moved several times during childhood as his father took new positions with Armour and Company. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois. Later that summer, he boarded a train to Dallas, where he enrolled at Southern Methodist University. He graduated from SMU in 1962 and was a member of the Delta Tau chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. At SMU, he met Elaine (Laney) Edwards, whom he married in March 1964 in Memphis, Tennessee. They were married for 58 years and have one child, Allan Koenig of Dallas. He spent his entire career as an insurance agent and executive in Dallas, starting at Southwestern Life Insurance Company right after college. Though he excelled in his profession, he always had a passion for baseball and would’ve loved a career in coaching. As a high school shortstop, he had a tryout with the Milwaukee Braves. Karl and Laney were charter members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, where he served as a faithful deacon and usher for more than two decades. He grew in his faith through worship, Wednesday night men’s Bible study, and acts of service. He was known throughout the congregation for his warmth, winning smile, quick handshake, and genuine interest in people. He rarely met a stranger. He took a particular interest in those who were sick, homebound, going through hard times, or physically handicapped. He had a dry, crisp, disarming sense of humor, which would put anyone at ease. He was also honored for his many years of service at West Dallas Community School, where he mentored and tutored. Karl deeply loved his two grandchildren – Owen and Margaret Koenig of Dallas. Until his illness robbed him of his ability to drive and attend events, he did not miss their sports games, school events, or other important moments. “Grandaddy” introduced them to the joys of Saturday morning breakfasts and fun adventures. Karl’s many enduring relationships were a special joy to him, and those friends were all amazing help during the last difficult years of his life. He also received outstanding and compassionate care during his final months as a resident at Iris Memory Care. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Edwards Koenig; son Allan Koenig and wife, Katy; grandchildren, Owen Koenig, and Margaret Koenig. He is preceded in death by his brother, Donald Koenig, and his parents, Mallory and Dwight Koenig, of Memphis, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 16, at Park Cities Presbyterian Church at 4124 Oak Lawn Ave. in Dallas. Memorials may be made in his name to West Dallas Community School, 2300 Canada Drive, Dallas, Texas 75212.