of Springfield, AR
September 17, 1945 - April 4, 2023
Our beloved Santa Claus and retired art teacher, Joe Don King's compassion for life and others didn't come to an end with his passing. Joe moved to heaven on April 04, 2023 at the age of 77 after a courageous battle of heart disease surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Joe was born on September 17th, 1945 in Conway Arkansas, a son of the late J.D. and Martha King. He graduated from Alma High School in 1963 and attended the University of Ozarks on a football scholarship. Joe married the love of his life, Deanie King (Howard) on October 15, 1965. After proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force as a staff sergeant, he and his wife opened several service stations throughout the greater Conway area. Joe went on to complete his industrial education degree at the University of Central Arkansas and his first job teaching was in North Little Rock at Ridge Road. Before his well-deserved retirement, Joe taught in the Greenbrier School District for 23 years and spent three years at Crossroads Alternative Learning Center in Quitman. Joe had pride in his students and he loved sharing his passion for learning. He was also a 44-year Freemason and a member of the Greenbrier Masonic Lodge 290, where he had served as the Chaplin. He was a member of the Scottish Rite of the 32 Degree of Arkansas.
Joe's greatest treasure in life was his beautiful family. He built his Mallettown home from the ground up to live in fellowship and among God's greatest creations. If you knew Joe, you knew he never met a stranger and he carried a personality that was bigger than life itself. He was a proud husband, dad and Papa to his ''grand-angels'' and ''great grand-angels''. Joe's compassion touched everyone he came across. You could always count on him to make a room laugh with his jokes, smile with his stories and cheer when he called the hogs. He taught his loved ones what it truly means to be a family and all the blessings that life brings.
Joe is survived by his wife, Deanie; his eldest daughter, Kyndell Rea (Shawn); his son, Russell King (Sissy); his daughter, Katie Redden (Jonathan); his youngest daughter, Linde Wilson (Rusty); his brother, Jim Bill King (Joyce); his niece, Marci Starkey (Kenny); his eldest nephew, Lance King (Tiffany) and his youngest nephew, Kyle King (Holly); and 9 grand-angels, his eldest, McKinley Hess (Mason), Hayden King (Mackenzie), Drake Schichtl (Shawn), Teal Lovelady (Garrett), Hayley King, Hollis Redden, Tyner Redden, Max Wilson and his youngest, Maggie Wilson and 4 great-grand-angels, his eldest, Zoey Hess, Saylor Schichtl, James King and his youngest, SJ Schichtl.
The Pallbearers will be Curtis Bradley, Cody Bradley, Buddy Wadley, Hayden King, Tyner Redden and Max Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following: Arkansas Children's Hospital, Salvation Army, Arkansas Food Bank or The Gideon's International.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm Friday, April 7, 2023 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier.
The funeral will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 10:00am at Mallettown Community Church.
Although there will be no graveside service, we welcome everyone to a celebration of life at the home of Joe and Deanie.
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67 Condolence(s)
Terri ritchey jamell
Saturday, April 15, 2023
So sorry to hear about joe.he will be missed.many fond memories working for him.god bless you all.hes up there with God having a good time.
John & Norma Farthing
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
It's hard to imagine a world without Joe King, but thankfully there will never be one. This dear man left his mark on all of us who knew him and who now smile just remembering him. We will join Deanie and his precious family, honoring Joe's legacy by living the full lives he modeled for us. RIP, sweet friend. You have taught us well...and we will never forget you.
Susan Penrod Williams
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I remember and loved Joe King and family from Pickles Gap. My prayers for you.
Ms. Esther M. Kershner-Mitchell
Monday, April 10, 2023
As you know, Joe King is one of my favorite people-I shall always treasure his goodness to Lance and me; his huge heart-and-ever present smile...
I care.
LOVE,
Ms. Esther
Lance also sends his concern and love.
Randy Coleman
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Deanie, i’m so sorry for your loss. I will never forget Jody holding me down on the ground and telling me I came from too good of a family to be useing foul language and from that day on His words always helped keep my language a lot better. Great friend.
Carol Powers
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Late husband, Charles, taught Joe at UCA and had many fond memories of him. Remember the station and restaurant, Santa and always being so pleasant and cheerful in all his activities. Know your family will have remembrances to treasure.
Wordia Vangilder
Saturday, April 8, 2023
I am Mackenzie’s grandmother and I only met Papa Joe one time when we were at James One-Year Birthday Party where he was seated next to me as James “opened†his gifts, but that was enough for me to see that he was a warm, outgoing person who loved his family dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through these sad hours. May his wife, children, and grandchildren find the strength they need in Gods love and comfort in the many wonderful memories they must have of Papa Joe. May God bless you all.
Samantha Hanard
Saturday, April 8, 2023
King Family,
I am so sorry for all of your loss. Praying for peace and comfort in this time of grieving. I had the wonderful blessing of meeting Joe, who was larger than life.
To be a witness of all the wonderful things people are saying about him was a blessing and a gift.
Joe King’s shoes may be too big to fill but he left an amazing legacy to carry on.
Love, and Peace,
Samantha Hanard
Malorie McNeil
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Mr. King drove my school bus when I was in kindergarten. I remember being so scared and always sitting in the front of the bus right behind him. He always gave me a sucker. He was such a sweet, sweet soul. He will be GREATLY missed.
Madison Vangilder
Friday, April 7, 2023
Mr. King was such an amazing God—fearing man. As a kid I knew him as “Santa†but as an adult I got to know him more due to my sister marrying his grandson. I will never forget the love he had for everyone he met. He truly portrayed what it was like to have Gods love in his heart and share it with others. I was always met with the biggest smile and hug. He would ask me how I’m doing and be truly invested in what I was saying. His love for the Lord was shown in all aspects of his life and will continue to be now that he was called home. We all will miss you but we’ll meet again.
All the love,
Madison
Patricia and Marcel Hanard
Friday, April 7, 2023
It is with deep sorrow we learned of Joe’s passing. Time flies so quickly and in a brief moment lives are gone but not the memories. I know you will cherish so many of them because Joe led such an active and fulfilled life. He will leave a legacy for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Our condolences,
Marcel and Patricia Hanard
Fred Landers
Friday, April 7, 2023
Deanie
Praying for you and the family for peace, comfort and wisdom on decisions to be made in the coming days.
Joe was a good Christian man. He will be missed.
Fred and Wanda Landers
Tonya Mitchell Moix
Friday, April 7, 2023
Our prayers are with all of you
Kevin & Tonya Moix
Sawyer & Hannah Moix
Alissa Ashcraft
Friday, April 7, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear about our Santa Joe!! It was a family tradition to go see him every year! Praying for you, Deanie and your family!! May God give you comfort and peace!
Pam Markham
Friday, April 7, 2023
My love and prayers at this time of grief, especially to the family members I have known, Deanie, Shawn, Kyndell, Drake and Teal. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lori Deden
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Mr. King. As I’m writing this I just can’t seem to find the words as to how much of a special person he was. I always knew there was something different about him, looking back it was because he was a godly husband and father, and he loved others, just like Jesus did. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for those affected by this great loss.
Cathy Neal
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Mr. King was always our Santa at the Chamber Christmas parades and along side him was always his wife, Mrs. Claus.
He also was our daughters art teacher. Taylor loved him.
I had the pleasure of talking with him this past year. He will be sadly missed and he was loved by everyone that crossed his path. RIP Mr. King!!
Karen &curtis carney
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Jody has always been very special to us. Deanie you and your family will be in our prayers as you celebrate the wonderful life you have had together. So many ways you both showed your love for each other and that love seemed to stretch out to all of us who were fortunate to be your friends. What a beautiful life. What a beautiful family. God bless you all.
Michael Daniel
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Tricia and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Deanie and the rest of Joe's family.
Barbara, Gus and Bradley Lorenz
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Our condolences to Deanie and the family. Our hearts goes out to you all.
We are blessed having known Joe! He had a way of making you feel like family. Joe was always in a good mood and he was quick with a joke or story to make you laugh. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Joe was a great bus driver, friend, Santa and teacher.
Robert & Becky hess
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Joe was such a wonderful person. He truly did make friends everywhere he went and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time
Larry & Kathlyn Arnett
Thursday, April 6, 2023
We are so sorry . Mr. King was so kind to all. May God comfort your family as only he can .
Gina McGinty
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Mr. King was by far the best teacher greenbrier ever hired. He loved teaching and he loved his students. I am so thankful I had the pleasure of being in his class. My thought and prayers are with the family. He will be greatly missed! â¤ï¸
Denise Benight
Thursday, April 6, 2023
I taught in the same building with Joe, it was the green Annex building by the Jr. High in Greenbrier. It was my first year of teaching in the district. He had such a great sense of humor and he shared many bits of life wisdom with me. He was who encouraged me to obtain my CDL license to drive a bus route because it would help my retirement one day. The students in his Art classes loved him. He had a wonderful rapport with the kiddos that I am sure he touched their lives with more than just Art. I will keep Joe's family in my prayers that the Lord will hold you up during this time.
Kourtney Bradley
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Papa King, You will never understand what you mean to me. You and your beautiful family took me in as part of your family over 20 years ago! Over the years we have laughed and cried. You taught me so much, in and out of the classroom. Thank you papa for being you! I will see you one day!
RIP papa King!!
Haylie Day
Thursday, April 6, 2023
I had the pleasure of having Mr. King as my art teacher a few years. He made a lasting impression on many of his students. Looking back, he was one of my favorite teachers and I always loved running into him when he was Santa. I have a picture somewhere. He had a great laugh and always made sure his students were laughing too!
Terry and Carol Tosh
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Dearest Deanie and Family, Terry and I send our sincerest condolences to you all. Our hearts were broken to hear of Joe’s passing. He has touched so so many lives including our own. We have precious memories of our families enjoying time together as neighbors and friends. We send our deepest love to you all!!
Terry and Carol Tosh
Hal Garrett, Jr. and Deb
Thursday, April 6, 2023
King family please accept our sincere condolences at this temporary time of his absence from all of you!
We know one glad morning there will be a great reunion in glory for us all!
Mr. King touched so many lives and one of them was our son, Cory. He not only taught these young people but he gave them what they needed to learn to be productive and laugh and love in their everyday lives!
We pray each one of you will feel the presence of our Lord around you now and days ahead.
You all are in our prayers.
May God bless you all,
Hal, Jr. & Deb Garrett
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Drake Stephens
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Such a sweet man and a great teacher. Always had the classroom in stitches with his jokes. Fly high Mr. King
Barry Molder
Thursday, April 6, 2023
My prayers go out to Deanie and your extended family, as they will miss you in their daily lives. I remember our friendship as young boys and then as teammates playing sports. I thank you as our center as you protected a skinny little QB, who needed it from time to time. From the other condolences, it’s clearly evident that you have made a difference in their lives, from the teaching, friendships, and encouragement, and mentoring that you freely offered in their lives. We all look forward to seeing you again when we meet in the where Jesus has made a place for us.
Angela Cox
Thursday, April 6, 2023
What an amazing man we all had the honor to have met. Mr. Joe King (Joking) I’ll always remember all your Lion King jokes (Lie ing king). You sir lived the best life here, now it’s time to live it up with our father in heaven. We love you, miss you. I will always believe in you, the real Santa clause. The one that remembered 25 years later that I asked for a kitten for Christmas. Until we meet again Sir I know you are watch over all of us. I love you. I love you Mrs. King.
Betsy Smith
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Deannie, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you. I remember one year he was doing his wonderful job of Santa at the staff Christmas party well I was running late and I had to sit on Santa's lap.
Sherry Smith
Thursday, April 6, 2023
I taught at Ridgeroad when Joe was there. He was always a bright spot in the day. A kind and loving person. Prayers for his family.
JoBeth Taylor
Thursday, April 6, 2023
He always remembered my name and had a big smile to match mine. I always told my kids he was the “real†Santa, and to me he always will be. What a legacy he has left. My prayers are with all of you for the days and weeks ahead.
Stacy (reeves) stane
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Joe was the best! My mom and dad (gene and Linda reeves) loved him. They were friends many moons ago! I have pictures of my son from eehen he was tiny til he was too old for pics with Santa (his words) you will be missed! Much love and prayers to the family!
Bonnie Eddy
Thursday, April 6, 2023
He was my art teacher when I was in 6th and 7th grade in Greenbrier school. He was a great inspiration to me. First day of class he told us all I am Joe King (joking) through my time in his classes he always joked around with all his students and made art so much fun. He will be dearly missed not only by his friends and family but also by students he had taught even years ago. I am 30 yrs old and I have so many fond memories from his class. Much love and peace to his family and friends.
Sheila Beene
Thursday, April 6, 2023
So sorry to hear this. He was so kind and meant so much to his community. Prayers for all who loved him.
David A Quattlebaum
Thursday, April 6, 2023
My condolences for all the family. I worked at 3 different gas stations for Joe. He was a great friend and will be dearly missed.
Mark Ledbetter
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Joe gave me my first job when I was 12 years old at the DX station in Conway. What a great guy. Not a better family man has there ever been. Joe RIP FRIEND. Family you were blessed with the best.
Taylor Neal
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Mr. King was one of my favorite teachers, and helped foster my love for art. I have such fond memories of him and his class. He will always be my favorite Santa. Prayers of comfort to his family.
Kimberly Nicholson
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Many youth nights spent at their house on the weekends. Such a wonderful man. God sure has a special one know. My thoughts and prayers with the family.
Bob Williams
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Jody was my hero. I listened to the radio on Friday night to him and his buds playing football. He always asked me if I listened to the great game he played. And I told him I had.He was very special.
Judi Brunson
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
So sad to hear this, praying for his family. I’m sure Joe is running around barefoot in heaven, the same way I saw him bowl at one of Hayden’s birthday parties. (((BigHugs)))
Judi, Bud & Zach Brunson
JoAnn Ratliff
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Deannie, I'm so sorry. Love and prayers for you and your family.
Tim & June Csrter
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Ms Deanie we thought so
Much of your sweet husband! We will never forget his kindness to one of our girls in school years ago. Please know that we pray Gods comfort and peace will be yours in this very difficult time. Everyone will miss his Happy Birthday songs on FB â¤ï¸
Toni Griffin
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Deanie, Kyndell, Russell, Katie and Linde,
Although I have not seen any of you in a long time. I want you to know what an impact your dad had in my life. He was such a fun and curious man. Always looking for the next adventure. I think I only spent the night once, but Mr. Joe made my experience like a summer camp! His mission was to create smiles. He achieved this! I am praying for you all, as your daddy is missed, I pray you can continue to keep those memories coming and help heal your hurting hearts. Never a better pair of Santa and Mrs. Claus than Joe and Deanie King. â¤ï¸
Tim Evans
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Mr. King was always one of my favorite teachers in school. The lessons he taught always extended beyond the classroom and in the years since, I have thought of him and appreciated them more. The community and the world is certainly poorer with his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Randy Wilcox
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
So shocked and saddened to hear about Joe. We’ve known him since 1974. He took care of a couple of newlyweds at his store at the foot of Skyline, such a great man. Our condolences to his wonderful family of whom he was so proud. Randy &Vickie
Crystal Moore
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I met Joe 20 yrs ago when I started teaching in Greenbrier. I loved to listen to his stories about football, art, and his family. He was our favorite Santa at Eastside. Love you Joe, you will be greatly missed.
Amber Tilley
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
My sincere condolences for each of you. May God's healing peace be with you all. Praying for the family and sending loveâ¤ï¸
Deena Hartsfield
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Rest in peace! My prayers are with your family. Such a great man to so many in this community.
Deena Hartsfield
Jim Owen
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I had the pleasure of both knowing and working with Joe at Crossroads. He was an outstanding teacher and role model for his students. He was a reason why we had the success we had at CLAC. He will missed by all who knew and worked with him. RIP
Mary Catherine Flanagin Glover
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I’m so sorry! Sending thoughts and prayers to each of you!â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
Julia Gallagher
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Although I never met Joe, I’ve heard many wonderful stories about his love of life and family. Prayers for you all!
Randy & Janet Nokes
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
To the King Families,
I had the Privilege of Knowing Joe for Over 45 Years. I Have a Great Respect for Him, We Would be Hard-pressed to Find another with The Character He Possessed. May GOD Comfort you in the Days Ahead.
Karen Burgin
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Joe will certainly be missed. I loved knowing and teaching with Joe. My kids loved him as being the best Santa Clause and also a great teacher.
Kim Holloway
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
To Joe’s Family:
I am so very sorry to hear about Joe. To know him was to love him. I feel blessed to have known him and to have called him my friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and have my deepest and most sincere condolences.
Love,
Kim
Crystal Chapman Barnett
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Great teacher and the best Santa. What a legacy he has left. Praying for his family.
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Robinson
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Will always be grateful for the love and laughter he had towards our kids and all at Greenbrier. Prayers for all.
Robert & Jody Kapraun
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I owe this man a lot on the kind of person I am today! Bless him and his family. He will be truly missed.
Amanda Pearson
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Mr. King was the best teacher, always having a good time in his class. I also has the pleasure of him getting me to school everyday and home on the famous #5 cheese wagon as he called it. He took care of all "his school kids". I still have my car I build and raced in his class. Prayers for his sweet Mrs. Claus wife and family. He will truly be missed
Marietta Hurley
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Condolences to Deanie and family. Our late son Jeffrey , worked in the service station. When Garlon was in Baptist Hospital in 1982 with a lung fungus and stroke, Deanie sent food . They were wonderful to our family. We visited in their home when they lived on Martin Street in Conway when our children were young. I know Joe will be missed by his family and friends and community! Love from Moose and Marietta and Doug and Hurley Family!
Kathy Fewell
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
My heart hurts for you all. Love, hugs and prayers.
Nancy Dickerson
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
The best Santa ever! Praying for Deanie and the family. Joe was a good man and he will be missed here on earth by all who knew him. I know he is already praising God with those who have gone before him. â¤ï¸
Timothy Starkey
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Joe was a great guy
Ruby Victory
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Joe's passing and shocked that it was on the same date that Allen passed away last year.Praying for you and the rest of the family....love,Ruby
Curtis Bradley
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I will miss the best friend that I have ever had. He was a friend to me and my family for over 20 years. He will be missed RIP Joe man my Friend. A sad day