Jackson "Jack" King

Jack King, age 92, of Lumberton, TX, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. He was born in Mauriceville, TX, on November 11, 1931, to Fred Earl King Sr. and Emily Azalea Willey.

We gather to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, known fondly as husband, cherished as dad, and adored as Paw-Paw. Born in Mauriceville in 1931, his journey was one of unwavering dedication, boundless love, and profound impact on those around him.

For over four decades, he labored tirelessly as a welder at the Evadale Paper Mill, exemplifying the values of hard work and perseverance. Rarely taking a day off sick, he was the epitome of reliability, ensuring that his family was always provided for. An avid outdoorsman, he found solace and joy in nature. Whether hunting, fishing, or foraging for treasures along our highways or at the dump, he embraced the beauty of the world around him. His passion for hunting, in particular, earned him a reputation as a skilled and competitive coon hunter, winning countless competitions and earning the respect of his peers. His passion for the old ways of hunting, abstaining from modern conveniences for the simplicity of trapping and trailing, spoke volumes about his deep connection to the woods. Spending time with him outdoors leaves many of us with some of our best memories and appreciation that he instilled in us all. Amidst his adventures, his heart belonged to his family. His 62-year marriage was a testament to his enduring love and devotion to his beloved wife, whom he met in a serendipitous encounter that changed the course of both their lives forever (at a night club nonetheless). His love for her knew no bounds, and he would move heaven and earth to ensure her happiness and well-being. Maw-Maw was his world and we all knew it- there was no question. If she wanted something bought, moved, created, built, painted, remodeled, cooked, and everything else in between it was also the same answer, “Yes, mother.” 

As a father, he was a guiding light and a source of unwavering support for his sons. He instilled in them values of hard work, integrity, and kindness, shaping them into the men they are today. Never missing a single ball game or milestone moment, he cheered proudly from the sidelines, his love and pride evident in every gesture. He was so proud of the men they both became and was always so happy to spend quality time with them both. But perhaps his greatest joy came from being a Paw-Paw. His love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds, and he reveled in every moment spent with them. From cheering them on at their own games and performances to simply sharing stories and laughter, he cherished every moment as a precious gift. His wallet, a cherished treasure trove of memories, was filled with photos of his beloved family, which he proudly shared with anyone who would look or listen. Tattered wallet photos of us all were his greatest carried treasures. As kids even into adulthood, we never went to Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw’s and left hungry. He was always, always asking if he could make us something to eat or drink. He may nod off at the table or in his favorite recliner, but we could always guarantee hearing a new joke at some point. He was forever sharing stories, often corrected by MawMaw- some true, some completely made up, but we never left our visits without feeling full of food, filled with laughter, and stuffed with stories or something he made or found as a little treasure. Never did we leave his driveway without porch waves and blown kisses. 

His laughter, his jokes, his endearing nicknames, time spent in the woods, Lake Tejas, or rocking alongside him in a rocking chair or porch swing—these are the memories that will live on in our hearts forever. And though he may no longer be with us on this side of eternity, we WILL see him again someday. He wasn’t an outspoken religious man, but he led a life that honored God by how he respected others and loved his family. I’m confident on his faith as a result of close conversations and prayers we’ve shared in his later years. His legacy of love, strength, and devotion will continue to guide and inspire us.

He would always tell me when it was time to depart, “Bye, Sissy. Come stay two or three years with me.” As we say our “see you laters” because it’s not goodbye to our beloved husband, dad, and Paw-Paw, let us take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will live on in each of us. May we honor his memory by cherishing the value of family and by loving one another as deeply and as fiercely as he loved us.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Donna LaRue King; sons, Jaronne King and wife Stephanie of Lumberton, TX, and Grant King and wife Bonnie of Lumberton, TX; grandchildren, Courtney Deckert and husband Jon, Tyler King and wife Kaylee, Brandon King, Brittney Mott and husband Michael, and Jake King; great-grandchildren, Breylon Cropper, Easton Cropper, and Calvin King; as well as many friends and loved ones.

Preceding Jack in death are his parents; and brothers, Fred King and Jon King.

The family would like to give their gratitude and appreciation to Heart to Heart Hospice, specifically his nursing aide Hope and Nurse Shelby, for their care during this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jackson "Jack" King, please visit our floral store.