Carlene Elizabeth Partain's Obituary
Carlene Elizabeth Partain, originally from Longview, TX, passed away February 13, 2026 in Tyler, TX. She was 86 yrs old. A memorial service will be held at Rader funeral home in Longview, TX on March 28, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Carlene was born on December 16, 1939 in Cameron, TX to Charles B. Bunce and Margaret Hausenfluke Bunce. She grew up in Austin, TX, graduating from William B. Travis high school in 1957 at the age of 17 instead of 18 because she skipped the 3rd grade. Carlene was an avid reader from a young age and excelled in all subjects except algebra and chemistry. In high school she was involved in drama, debate, the drill team, Spanish club, home economics, and R-club (an honors club). She and her family attended Central Christian Church in Austin where she eventually met her future husband, Larry.
She was a student at the University of Texas while dating Larry, but before completing her degree, she and Larry were married on June 9, 1960. They moved to Longview when Larry was hired as a chemical engineer at Eastman. She then became a homemaker, and they both became wonderful parents to a daughter, Linda and two sons, Alan and Steven.
Larry and Carlene were active members of First Christian Church in Longview. They were involved with youth groups, the choir, leadership positions in the congregation and teaching Sunday school.
Of course raising three kids kept their lives busy with all the school and extracurricular activities to stay on top of. Carlene was Linda’s Camp Fire leader, and both Carlene and Larry were enthusiastic cheerleaders/coaches for Linda, Alan and Steven’s games and performances. The Partain family loved to spend time together, especially camping trips and summer vacations. Long vacations to mountains of any kind were their favorites, especially the Rocky Mountains.
When all three kids were in grade school, Carlene went back to college. She commuted to Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches and completed her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She began her career as a fifth grade teacher around 1977 at Pine Tree in Longview. She received her master’s degree in Reading in 1979. She won Pine Tree’s Bravo award for initiatives in the budding field of ESL. She retired around 1995 after 18 years.
After retirement, Carlene (and Larry) volunteered at Longview Christian Ministries for many years. She also worked as a travel agent with Box Office Travels from 1995-1997. After Larry’s retirement in 1996, they traveled extensively, including a couple trips out of the country, different areas of the US and plenty of trips to see kids and grandkids. There are 7 grandkids who loved their Nana and Grandad Larry. Carlene/Nana was also blessed to have loved on 4 great-grandkids.
Larry passed away in 2012 from cancer. Carlene dearly missed her best friend and true love, but with her gregarious personality, she couldn’t help but to continue living a vibrant and fully engaged life.
Carlene was proceeded in death by her parents Charles B. Bunce and Margaret Bunce, her younger brother Charles N. Bunce, her son-in-law Kyle Perkins, and her husband of 52 years, Larry Partain. She is survived by her children Linda Perkins Cashell (Richard), Alan Partain (Courtney), and Steven Partain (Cheri). Her grandchildren are Laura Perkins Starling, Travis Perkins (Natalie), Trevor Partain (Erika), Garret Partain, Millie Partain, Adrian Partain and Eliana Partain. Her great-grandchildren are Kaden Starling, Dylan Starling, Chloe Starling and Auna Perkins.
We will deeply miss our Carlene/Mother/Nana, but we also joyously celebrated her homecoming in heaven!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Longview Community Ministries in honor of Carlene.
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