1st Lt. John T. King, Jr.

[ironputts]

November 5, 2024

1st Lt. John T. King, Jr.
Platte Valley Composite Squadron
Missouri Wing

September 1, 1942 – October 16, 2024

John Thomas King Jr. passed away on October 16, 2024, in Kansas City. He was born on September 1, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA, and then relocated to Kansas City MO in 1989 with TWA. John will be remembered for his genuine friendliness, humor, encouragement, and willingness to help others.

John's zest for life led him to a passion for flying which extended into his professional life as an airplane and helicopter mechanic. At the age of 27, he took to the skies as a private pilot with an IFR rating. This continued into his later years, becoming a senior member of the Civil Air Patrol and inspiring young cadets with his love for flight and knowledge of aerodynamics.

He loved spending time on his boat with family and friends. He was always eager to ensure everyone had a great time on the water, whether relaxing, jet skiing, tubing, or water skiing.He also had a love for cars, both vintage and sporty. They were a significant part of his life, particularly the many Mustangs he owned over the years. John was a big animal lover, especially Petey, his last puppy and shadow. They were well known at the dog parks, walking in the neighborhood, and going for rides to Starbucks for coffee and a pup-cup in the Mustang.

At Christmas of 2021, John had what he called his Christmas miracle when he turned his life over to the Lord Jesus Christ. From that, a deep concern for the condition of marriage relations grew. One of his favorite topics was the book "The Five Love Languages." He would share tips he had learned and purchased copies for family, friends, newlyweds, and people who were struggling in their marriages.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth King and his sister, Linda King. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Deborah (Francken) King. He was the loving father of Theresa Coco, David (Elizabeth) Francken, and Amy Paul (Robert Welsh), and a proud grandfather to Jordan Kambic, Madison Kambic, Michael Francken, Shelby Paul, Kaitlyn (Logan) Caldwell, Nicole Francken, Kennedy Coco, Andrew Paul, and Avery Coco. He leaves behind his sister Yvonne (Kenneth) Sobzack and brother Frank (Carole) King, along with four nieces, nephews, and six great-nieces and great-nephews.