Fred King, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, also known as Jake, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the age of 85. Celebration of his life will be at St. Paul United Methodist Church of Hurst on Friday at 10 a.m. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Hurst. Interment at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date. Fred was born in Shamrock, Texas to Glen and Perl King and was the eldest boy of six siblings. He graduated from Shamrock High School and having attended many schools over the years, it was in Brownsville High School that he found the love of his life, Patricia Fone. Following high school, Fred proudly served in the U.S. Navy which included two tours to the Far East. He came home to marry that girl, Patricia, and they would have celebrated their 59th anniversary next month. Fred retired from GD/Lockheed in 1998 and took up his second career playing golf, fishing, traveling, and cruising. His biggest joy in life was spending time with his family; especially his grandchildren and all the tall tales he told them. He was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist church, having served three terms as a trustee, ushering and was always available to help when needed. He was a charter member of the Hurst Citizens Fire Alumni Association, a Mason and a fixture at Hurst City Council meetings. Fred was truly someone who never met a stranger. He loved to tell stories, had a smile on his face and was known for his hugs. Despite being diagnosed with both multiple myeloma and lung cancer, he persevered and stretched what is normally a two-year prognosis into six years. Special thanks go to Dr. Gloria Anding and Dr. Mrugesh Patel for their outstanding care. Fred is survived by his loving wife Patricia, his son Fredrick King Jr. and his partner Eric Speck, his daughter Leslie Smith and her fiance Rick Grey, his daughter Rebecca Stubblefield and her husband Brad, his sisters Patty Axe and Mary Selby and five grandchildren, Jacob, Spencer and Mitchell Smith and Madison and Morgan Stubblefield plus many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Published in Star-Telegram on Feb. 17, 2016