Karen S. (Cox) Wilkinson, 74, of Fort Wayne, IN, died from cancer and passed away peacefully
in her home while surrounded by family and loved ones on November 5, 2024.Born March 17, 1950, Karen fondly celebrated St. Patrick’s Day every year as her birthday celebration. Born to the late Dorothy (Humbarger) and Earl Cox. She graduated as a proud Redskin in 1968 from North Side High School. Karen loved to laugh and enjoyed many things in life. She put pride and passion into all that she did and touched every life. She was a veteran of the Fort Wayne Fire Dept, serving 21 years.
During her distinctive career, Karen was a fire investigator for the department and became district chief of the division. During her time in the division, Karen was able to help develop the Juvenile Fire Setters Program, served as the president of the International Association of Arson Investigators, was the first woman in the State of Indiana to become a highly distinguished Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), was a member of the Allen County FAST team, was a qualified fire arson expert witness, was recognized as a woman in leadership and served on the FWFD Color Guard. She retired as a captain in the combat division from station #5 in Waynedale in 2006.  After retirement, she worked for the State Fire Marshall’s office, and Shand’s Forensics. She was also a security officer for the Allen County Prosecutor’s office, as well as served on the board for the Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union. Karen was full of resilience, kindness, and strength. She cherished time with her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed working in her yard, pulling weeds, and magically reviving clearance shelf plants. She loved spending time with her “fire girls”, enjoying a captain and coke, and going on trips to Florida to go to the beach. Karen is survived by her brother Daniel (Darva) Cox of Fort Wayne, brother-in-law Erik Cober of Freemont. Her son Bryan (Kady) Wilkinson of Justin, TX, daughter Tracey (Naomi) Wilkinson, of Fort Wayne. Grandchildren Mystie (Dereck) Dollarhite, Andrew Mergy, Allyn Wilkinson, Elliott Wilkinson, and great-grandchildren, Logan, Dominick, and Bayleigh. As well as several loving nephews and cousins, and her two loving cats. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Rebecca. Services will be conducted Sunday November 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm with her final fire ride beginning at Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Road Fort Wayne 46804 and ending at Local 124 Union Hall, 1405 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, Please join us for a celebration of life, laughter, and memories.