Donald. O. King

Don attended elementary school in New London, Texas and was there on March 18, 1937 when the New London High School exploded from a gas leak. He watched while his daddy helped rescue victims. Don graduated from Corpus Christi Senior High School (now Miller) in 1946. He attended Texas A&M for a short while, but once you are an Aggie you’re always an Aggie.

Don’s working career began with Spartan Tool and Service as a cementer. He was employed by Magcobar Drilling Services as a drilling mud engineer. He went to work for Celanese Corp. at Bishop and retired with over 22 years of service. He then worked for Betz Industries for an accumulation of 10 years. He retired finally at age 72.

Don married Jo Ann Wernette on July 28, 1949. They have celebrated 64 years 4 months of a happy marriage. Don was preceded in death by his infant son Donald A., his daughter Pamela King McLain, parents George W. and Valeria Foreman King, his brother Harold and his nephew Bryan King.

After retirement Don and Jo Ann enjoyed traveling in their car or motor home to Colorado and the surrounding mountain states. They did some hunting and fishing. Most important in his life was involvement in their church Covenant Baptist. In earlier years, he was an ordained deacon serving the Lord at Travis Baptist and Second Baptist churches in Corpus Christi.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann, and daughters Diane King Boatman (Roy), and Susan King Soliz. His 5 grandchildren are: Bryan Boatman (Marybeth), Kevin Boatman (Amy), J.P. McLain (Charissa), Emily McCoy (Ian), and Nicholas Soliz (Brittany). His 13 grandchildren are: Ben, Bethany, Sam, Megan Boatman; Oakley, Maverick and Halle Boatman; Merit McLain; Aidan and Ella McCoy; Avalon, Paisley and Zadok Soliz. He is also survived by his sister Judy King Barker (Jerry) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was a faithful husband, loving father and a caring son. He was always trying to lend a hand to those in need. He greeted everyone with a smile, handshake or a hug. He loved God with all his heart.

A special thank you goes to Wooldridge Place Nursing Center and Nurses on Wheels hospice for their kind and considerate treatment of Don and his family for the last 3 years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with entombment to follow at Memory Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Covenant Baptist Church or any charity of your choice.

Condolences can be made at www.memorygardensfuneralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Memory Gardens Funeral Home, Corpus Christi, TX.