More detail on this person: Lt. Col. Jack King Retired Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jack A. King of Tyler died Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. He was 82. Jack was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Granite, Okla., the son of Julia Pearl (Smith) and James Robert King. He attended public schools in Apache and Duncan, Okla., before attending Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1954 with a degree in history. While attending OSU he met Bette Lawver, who became his wife on Sept. 6, 1953. Jack was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in January of 1953. During a military career that spanned more than two decades, he served his country as a pilot and administrative officer. He served in Iran during the early days of the Cold War, and served two combat tours in Vietnam. He also was stationed in Germany, Texas, Washington, Georgia and Alabama. Among his many military honors, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star (three awards). After he retired from the Army he joined the Texas National Guard, serving with the adjutant general's office at Camp Mabry, Austin. After retiring from the National Guard, he worked as a pilot for an independent oil company. Jack loved to play golf. He also enjoyed woodworking and square dancing with his beautiful partner, Bette. The couple spent their retirement years traveling throughout the United States. As deteriorating health prevented him from doing many of the things he once enjoyed, he was an avid reader and sudoku master. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jo Fischer; a brother, James King Jr.; brothers-in-law, Fred Fischer, B.J. Bauer, Gene Bloomer and Alan Evans; a nephew, James King III; and a great-nephew, Shannon Seidel. Throughout a valiant battle against cancer, he inspired many people with his courage and determination. His family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at Pollard United Methodist Church in Tyler Saturday, April 10, at 2 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Redinger Funeral Home, Seiling, Okla.
Burial information: Brumfield Cemetery, Seiling, OK
This information was last updated 01/25/2019
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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