Robert Elton (Bob) King
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Robert Elton (Bob) King
December 29, 1918-July 27, 2020
Robert Elton “Bob” King, 101, died of natural causes on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Kingswood Senior Living Community in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a most loving and beloved father and grandfather and a kind friend to all he met, a joyful and positive person. He loved to sing!
He was born in Coin, Iowa, the sixth of nine children of Elton Harold King and Mabel Irena Kent King, delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Allen King, as were each of his siblings. His siblings were: Kathryn, Frances, Kent, Connie, Virginia, Dorothy, Jackie and Billy.
After graduation from Coin High School in 1936, he worked for his father for several years as a carpenter and then attended college, graduating from the University of Iowa in 1943 with a B.S. Degree in Commerce, and from the University of Chicago in 1947 with an M.B.A. Degree in Marketing. On October 23, 1943, Bob and Alyce Mae Dunmire, also a Coin, Iowa “native”, were married in Chicago. To this union were born four children: Susan Irene 1945, Peggy Carol in 1948, Elizabeth Alice “Libby” in 1950 and William Robert “Bill” in 1956. Bob and Alyce were happily married for 70 years.
After college, Bob worked for several companies in the Chicago area-Dun & Bradstreet as an investigator, DePaul University as an instructor in Marketing, Elgin National Watch Company and Helene Curtis Industries Inc. in Market Research. In 1957 he was employed in Kansas City, Missouri by Butler Mfg. Company (Buildings Division) as Sales Analysis Manager. He retired from Butler in 1984, and continued to live in Kansas City.
In retirement Bob pursued many interests-travel with his dear wife Alyce, horticulture, and much writing-including a 1300 page book about the Genealogy of his King line.
Throughout his life, he was devoted to Christian principles, living his faith in many ways, including Sunday School teaching and Care visits. He had been a member of Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City since 1996.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alyce, on June 4, 2014, and by his dear daughter, Peggy (Gary) Foote, on May 18, 2013. Â He is survived by his children: Susan (Don) Krueger of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Libby (Ron) Kinder of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Bill King of Kansas City, Missouri. Also by four grandchildren: Keith Krueger, Fred Krueger (Nicole), Becky Kinder Mayer, and Joe (Lindsey) Kinder. And by one great-granddaughter, Tess Mayer.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Coin, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bob King to Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64133.
Condolences may be offered at heartlandcremation.com
Visits: 2
Hello King family,
I was sad to see Bob’s obit today in the “KC Star”. My family knew Bob and Alyce for many years, as my father, Ralph, worked with Bob for many years at Butler Manufacturing Company, and they were personal friends with my mother and father. I had met Bob when he worked with dad, and had lunch frequently with him and dad at the old BMA tower in the 1970’s. Bob and I were both University of Chicago graduates. He was a warm and generous person, who will be missed! Our prayers go out to your family.
To the Wonderful King Family , how we loved you all , and miss our fun and carefree days on 67 th St. with your family as our neighbors. We eulogized your Dad this morning retelling old stories and old times , by phone and E-Mail with our 4 children. Our daughter Kathy remembered interviewing your Dad for a school project that she had to write on the Great Depression , and even with
so many years passed , Bob chocked up in the telling of those hard times. Peggy remembered saving her broken crayons for your Moms art projects ..as Alyce would melt them down and use them for some amazing art pieces
Peg loved the smell of those melting crayons coming from your side porch …….Kelly remembered the beautiful garden edging your back yard in particular.. it stood out for all it’s color , care and planning.
And finally our son Dan was sure that “ Mr. King” was the first person he actually knew that was an actual runner , other then some unknown to be seen on the cover of Runners World “ magazine. And of course Earl and I remember all of these and more. I Hope that I can find your old next door neighbors Pat and Paul Best to share your Fathers obituary..I’ll sure give it a try . We love you all and feel that God blessed us so many years ago to lead us to 67 St.
Jo Marie and Earl Hogan
To the King Family,
How fortunate we all were to have Bob in our lives! We worked together at Butler and carpooled to the office every day. Bob was perhaps the most positive person I have ever known and was blessed with a wonderful curiosity about people, places and things. He loved learning in all its forms. Bob was so proud of Alyce and his children and of his birth family. The 1300 page genealogy was both a work of scholarship and a work of his heart. You will be missed, dear friend.
Dear King Family,
We’re so sorry to hear about your dad. Thank you for sending his life story. What a dear man. He and your mom were always so gracious to our mom and dad; they always got a kick out of the visits to the Kings in Estes Park. I think I first met your dad sometime in our visits to the Coin area when I was little, but my best memories are also some of those visits in Estes Park. What a joyful life he lived. Not sure if you remember, but your dad and mom came to my retirement ceremony from the Air Force. We kept in touch mostly through Christmas cards — these last few years he was still full of joy, but sure missed your mom. I know this is a time of grief for your family, but we know Bob is with Alyce now (and Peggy), probably dancing, singing and enjoying watching all of us. What a rich and full life, walking humbly with God. May our Lord hold all of you in the palm of his hand during this time.
Blessings and prayers, Ed and Karen Hunt
A great friend who will not be forgotten.
Dear King Family,
Mr. King, as I knew him, was a member of Country Club Congregational Church as was my family. Mr. King was my 4th grade Sunday school teacher in 1969 and 1970. I remember his positive, up-beat personality and outlook. It was a joy to see him every Sunday, either as my teacher or interacting with other church members. I feel blessed that our paths crossed so long ago.
Jon Jacobson