Henry Lee King

Henry was born in Muleshoe, TX to Henry Newton King and Ima Edna (Wright) King. Unfortunately, his father died when he was only 10 years old, leaving him the only male in his family of five sisters and his mother. Even though young he did what he could to earn money to help his family. He was able to complete two years of college at Texas Tech before losing all means to be able to continue. He then worked until joining the army. Pearl Harbor was bombed during his enlistment. He was eventually sent to Europe as a medic with the 36th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion. He spent seventeen months in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, earning five battle stars, serving his country and the world with valor. He returned to the US on September 28, 1945 via the Queen Mary. He had served in the army for over five years when he was discharged.

Henry met the love of his life, Margaret Allene Johnson, in 1947, and they were married in 1948. After their first child was born, he returned to Texas Tech where he received a BS in Chemistry and then a Master of Science degree. He became a research chemist for Chemstrand, which eventually became Monsanto. He wrote about 80 research papers and received 26 patents while employed there. After retiring in 1981, he became interested in genealogy. He and Margaret took a course on this and then proceeded to first research and write the genealogy of their own families, and then help others from around the country. Henry was very intelligent, as well as meticulous with his research and notes, resulting in excellent work, no matter what area he was working in.

Henry loved his wife and family. It seemed his main concern was that everyone was always taken care of. Most of his activities outside of work involved his children, Henry Lee, Jr, Mary Katherine (Kathy), Alan Lawrence (Larry) and Cynthia Ann (Cindy). He was a scout leader, baseball coach, and a Royal Ambassador leader while they were growing up. He loved to learn, and passed on this love and the importance of education to his children. Until his eyesight deteriorated to the point he could no longer participate, Henry played card, domino, and board games with his family and friends. He was so talented that you always wanted to be playing as his partner and not against him.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, and by his five sisters, Louise, Maebelle, Jane, Betty Jo, and Marinelle. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Margaret; his son Henry Lee, Jr and daughter-in-law, Kay; his daughter Kathy Brown and son-in-law Mike; his son Larry and daughter-in-law Lauren; his daughter Cindy Green and son-in-law Doug; his grandchildren Sean, Susanna, Rachel and Alan King, Paul and Mark Brown, and Bradley and Adam Green; his great-grandchildren Haven and Katy King, and Lillian, Miriam and Margo Green. All of them loved him dearly and will miss him very much.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or transitionslifecare.org.