Benjamin Hamill King, Jr.

Mr. King was preceded in death by his parents, Ben H. and Minnie Sweitzer King of Denver; his brother William; and sister Lela Jean Knight.

Ben is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Elaine Evison King. They were married in Denver, on June 27th, 1946.

Mr. King is lovingly remembered by a sister “Becky” McDill and husband Paul, of Windsor, Colorado; son Doug King and wife Nancy of Katy; son Gary King of Houston; daughter Julie Robinson and husband Steve of Cleburne; grandchildren Justin King and wife Jill, Lauren King, Andrew Robinson, and Ryan Robinson; great-grandchildren Jeremy and Jenna King; and many nieces and nephews.

Ben was born in Montrose, Colorado, May 28th, 1921 and spent his formative years in Montrose, Delta, and Denver, Colorado, graduating from South High School in 1939. He then attended Colorado School of Mines where he was a member of the “Fair Haired Boys” who served together in WWII. He cherished the lifelong friendships formed with several members of this group. He served with the Army Corp of Engineers in the European Theater of Operations. Upon his return he completed his Petroleum Refining Engineering degree at Colorado School of Mines, graduating in 1947.

He resided in Texas, employed by Texaco for over 35 years in Port Arthur, Amarillo, and Houston. But he always loved Colorado and shared his love of the Rockies through countless family camping trips, patiently teaching the art of fishing to his children. Ben had a passion for learning, evident by his many books and collections. He participated in numerous civic organizations, was a 32 degree Mason, a longtime member of the NRA and the Texas Cartridge Collectors Association.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th, at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive in Houston.

Arrangements were entrusted to Earthman Hunter’s Creek Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Freeway. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in memory to Houston Hospice, Development Department, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, or a charity of your choice.