Carmen Stout Bigham, born Aug. 14, 1943, passed away in Columbus on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
She was born to Maxine Cordell and Charles Stout, and grew up in Houston, where she graduated from C.E. King High School before attending Sam Houston State University. Carmen was married for 59 years to Kenneth N. Bigham. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith and community.
She is survived by her children Ken Bigham Jr. and his wife Charlotte; Jennifer Koenig and her husband Stephen; and Rhonda Bigham Throckmorton and her husband Michael. She was deeply loved by her grandchildren Kenny Bigham III, Stephen Koenig, Marty Bigham, Sarah Owings, Sam Koenig, Mikey Bigham, Eli Throckmorton, Katlyn Goode, Haylie Goode and Nick Goode. She also leaves behind her brother, Bud Stout; her sister-in-law, Joyce Orsak and her husband Mark; her sister-in-law, Becca Stout Gibb; and her aunt Brenda Galyean. Carmen was the proud greatgrandmother to 10 great-grandchildren, and is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She fiercely loved her family and had a special way of making every person feel valued and cherished. For many,years, Carmen and Ken were members of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Schulenburg, where many lasting friendships were made. Carmen also facilitated a women’s Bible study called Grace Gathering for 14 years where many lives were impacted. From 2016-22, Carmen lived in Kerrville where she and Ken doted on their youngest grandchild, Eli James Throckmorton, who brought them joy every day. Carmen was a member of First United Methodist Church, Kerrville, where she was greatly supported through the grief of losing her husband.
Funeral services for Carmen were held on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Schulenburg. Graveside service followed in Kerrville, where she was laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Ken.
Proverbs 31:25, 28: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come … her children rise up and called her blessed.”