Catherine Pearl King

Catherine “Mimo” Pearl King, age 96, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 in San Antonio, TX. She was born on June 12, 1924 in San Antonio, TX to her parents, Juan C. and Refugio Noriega Menchaca. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Jack Donald King; and siblings Veronica Catherine San Emeterio Isenhower, Ruben San Emeterio, Santos Velasquez Vasquez, Amparo Ordaz Saenz; Antonio Ordaz; Elizabeth Ordaz Collazo Martinez; Armando Ordaz; Victor Menchaca; and Arturo Menchaca. Catherine is survived by sons: Isaac Garcia (Tracy) and John Richard Menchaca (Linda); and daughters: Dolores Carreon Arcos (Richard Martinez) and Sonia King Chavez (Praxedis); 12 grandchildren—Brandon Garcia; Nicole Pietramale; Isaac F. Garcia; Malana Redpath; Rachel Arcos; Simon Arcos; Veronica Pineda; John J. Menchaca; Krisinda A. Menchaca Flores; James T. Menchaca; JoJo Fortuna; Jacqueline Elise Chavez McCormick; great-grandchildren Brandt Garcia; Chase Garcia; Trent Garcia; Alicia Pietramale; Isabel Pietramale; Jonathan Garcia (deceased); Heather Garcia; Ashley M. Osonitch; John T. Menchaca; Amalia M. Menchaca; William A. Menchaca; Luke J. Flores; Leia E. Flores; Quiana H. Menchaca; Julian H. Menchaca; Christine Wolfer; Brandon Pineda; Alexa Arcos; Charles Pineda; Nathan Sandidge; Catherine Arcos; Analise Pineda; Kayleigh Arcos; Simon Arcos, Jr.; Elise Catherine Chavez; Levi McCormick; great-great grandchildren Sophia Pineda; Lola Villa; Breeden Ortiz; Lillian Rey Menchaca; cousin Aurora Castro; 36 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Mimo devoted 25 years as the primary caregiver for her ailing husband in his final years. She was a member of a distinguished and decorated military family. Her sons, Capt Isaac Garcia (USN ret.) and John Richard Menchaca (PO2 USN); grandsons John J. Menchaca (PO2 USN), James T. Menchaca (PO2 USN) and Simon Arcos, Jr. (PO2 USN) and several nephews served in the armed forces. Her brothers, MSgt Ruben San Emeterio, TSgt Armando Ordaz (POW in Germany’s Stalag 17) and SSgt Antonio Ordaz served in the US Air Force in WWII; Victor Menchaca (SN USN and A1C USAF) and Arturo Menchaca (SN USN and CPL USA) (killed in action--purple heart--in the Korean War). Several nephews served in the USAF and Marine Corps (Korean War, Vietnam War and Middle East). Mimo was a pioneer in developing foster homes for deinstitutionalized mental patients and individuals needing assisted living arrangements. She later housed foreign students on study abroad semesters. Her devotion to her family was notable as she not only delivered one of her sister’s sons during a turbulent rainstorm but she served as a surrogate mother figure to her many nephews and nieces from childhood to adulthood. She was an energetic and gracious hostess welcoming everyone with a constant pot of coffee, delicious meals and sweet treats. She had a vast collection of Blue Willow china that she cherished. Her lemon-flavored and banana pudding desserts were a hallmark of her kitchen that welcomed everyone. Her favorite holiday was Christmas holding an annual open house for her extended family for many years. Mimo’s family acknowledges the love and support from the King family long before and after the wedding that merged the two families. Special appreciation and gratitude to Sonia and granddaughter Jackie who were her primary caregivers in her final years and Dr. Veronica Ordaz Collazo (niece) who was also instrumental in enhancing her quality of life.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Porter Loring Mortuary on McCullough.

EVENING SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

Interment will be held at a later date for family only at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery