Robert S. King

Born and raised in Abilene, Texas, Bob attended Texas Tech briefly before pursuing his passion for flying by joining the United States Air Force as a member of Pilot Class 49-C. He was a 25-year career pilot logging almost 10,000 flight hours, including almost 1500 hours in combat. Early in his career he flew C-119s and C-123s, as well as Beverleys while serving an exchange tour with the Royal Air Force. The majority of his career, however, was spent in the C-130 Hercules, primarily in Air and Sea Rescue. He served in Indochina, Korea, and flew the Airborne Command Post over Vietnam. He also commanded the 76th Air Rescue and Recovery Service at Hickam A.F.B., Hawaii, during the later Apollo missions, including the recovery of the Apollo 13 command module. His multiple medals and commendations include the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Bronze Star.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Bob received his B.B.A. in Accounting, magna cum laude, from St. Edwards University in 1976 and was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. His career in accounting included more than ten years as the controller of BTA Oil Producers in Midland, Texas. During his tenure at BTA, he was a consultant to JD Edwards, assisting in the design of accounting software for the 1980 Crude Oil Windfall Profits Tax

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Following his second retirement, Bob dedicated his additional time to the Episcopal Church, ultimately serving in every lay position in the church including the Altar Guild and as a Lay Eucharist Minister. In 2008, he completed two years of study to become a Verger for Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Texas.

In addition to his passion for flying and dedication to the Church, Bob was an accomplished gourmet cook and an avid golfer. Through his military service, he travelled to almost every country in the world. He also travelled extensively with each of his wives. A devoted husband, Bob often marveled that he was twice-blessed in love. A loving father, his children will always remember him for his stern but loving guidance and wisdom. A dedicated grandfather, his grandchildren will forever remember him for his “Don’t Mess with Grandpa” hat and all of the antics that he got into with them. Everyone who knew him will remember the sparkle in his vivid blue eyes. A great man who will be dearly missed.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” King and his brother, Donald Ray King. He is survived by his beloved second wife of 19 years, Dorothy M. “Dottie” King; his brother, H. Dayton King and wife Donna; his children, Pat King and husband Jessie Frank, Robert B. King, and Katherine “Kitty” McGahey and husband Mike; his step-children, Lisa Gmuer and husband Rege, Susan Dunaway, Don Kendrick and wife Lynn, and David Kendrick and wife Pam; his grandchildren Melissa King, Christine King and husband Kevin Tucker, Evan Brown, and Lauren Brown; his step-grandchildren, Jennifer Strickland and husband Cory, Nicholas Ocheltree and fiancée Alia Willson, and Dylan Ocheltree; his great-grandchildren, Rowan King Tucker, Savannah and Norah Strickland. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Austin Cancer Centers - Georgetown, Austin Home Care Assistance, The Legacy at Georgetown, and Altus Hospice of the Hills for their loving care throughout Bob’s illness and especially during his last days.

A memorial service honoring Bob will be conducted at 1:00P.M., Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown, Texas.

Memorials in his name may be made to the 1 Million 4 Anna Foundation at www.1Million4Anna.org or 15301 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Addison, Texas 75001.