John King

Kenneth John King, 74, unexpectedly passed away Saturday evening October 14, 2023 as a result of a vehicular accident.  

John was born November 4, 1948 in Twin Falls Idaho to Mitchell and Ada King.  He spent most of his life in Spokane, WA where he graduated from West Valley High School in 1967. He was senior class president at West Valley High School where he excelled as a wrestler and played quarterback for the football team. 

He fell in love with and married his high school sweetheart Kathi Van Belle on September 13, 1969. Together they were blessed with six daughters; Amelia, Bethany, Charisa, Deborah, Emily and Falycia. John joined the Air Force at the age of 23 where he was one of the first instructors of the survival training program. After the Air Force he continued his education and received his MBA. 

After the passing of his wife Kathi in 1990, he married Linda Thomson and was blessed with five more children that he welcomed as his own. He instilled in all his children a need to work hard, show empathy, love God and serve others. He raised his children with love, compassion, understanding and devotion. He was always there with a listening ear, good advice and a laugh. 

He dedicated his life to God and was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities. He never missed an opportunity to testify of the Savior and he did so with everyone he met through both words and example. 

John drove long-haul truck for many years. During this time he had the chance to train many drivers including his wife Linda who drove with him for eight years. His travels took him throughout the country, visiting children and family along the way. John was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. He loved history and read thousands of books while on the road. 

John was a friend to everyone he met, always greeting them with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.  He loved spending time with family; some of his favorite moments were family game nights, playing backyard football and late night conversations. His summers were spent with his children and grandchildren on the water; whether by boat, kayak, or daring the rapids on the river. His ability to accept, laugh and appreciate everyone around him will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 28 at 10am at the Spokane East Stake Center located at 13608 East Belle Terre Ave, Veradale, WA 99037. A viewing for the public will be Thursday, October 26 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Bell Tower Funeral Home located at 3398 E. Jenalan Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854.

John is survived by his loving wife Linda, his children David (Lori) Thomson, Amelia (Shelden) Gubler, Sarah (Michael) Deakins, Bethany King, Charisa King (Rick Ahlander), Amy (Jake) Deakins, Deborah King, Rebecca (Jeff) Burghardt, Emily (Ryan) Hastings, Katie (Jason) Scott, Falycia (Kirk) Arritt and by his 45 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, as well as his brother Brad (Kris) King and sister Leslie (Rip) Divis.

Those who precede him in death include his beloved wife Kathi, his brother Steve King, his father and mother Mitchell and Ada King, and his step-mother Bonne King.