William "Bill" W. King

William "Bill" W. King, 81, of Owensboro, went to be with the Lord on January 11, 2024, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Bill was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, on February 16, 1942, to the late William Newton Lambert and Leona Lambert King. 

Bill graduated in 1960 from Carmel High School in Carmel, California. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he trained and served as a Navy SEAL. His service included time in Vietnam. During this period, he forged a lasting friendship with a shipmate, Roy Yungel. One fateful weekend, Roy invited Bill to his home in New York. It was there, on a Friday, that Bill met Carol Yungel, Roy's sister. The connection was immediate. By Sunday they were “going steady” and  began a romantic relationship that would blossom into a lifelong love. After completing his service in the Navy in 1965, Bill returned to New York to marry Carol, and they began their journey into family life. The couple resided in New York for a period and later Bill's career opportunities took them to Ohio and ultimately Owensboro, where they settled in 1975. In Owensboro, Bill soon went to work for Texas Gas, where he spent the remaining years of his career until retirement. 

Bill and Carol were graced with a family of three daughters, whom they adored and cherished. As parents, they were actively involved in every facet of their daughters' lives, encouraging and attending every game, musical event, and competition they participated in. They also took their daughters on family adventures, camping and exploring national parks out West, traveling up and down the coast of California, revisiting New York where their life together started, and many others. They raised their family in the Catholic faith, shaping their daughters values and further strengthening their own bond as they navigated the joys and challenges of parenthood together. As their family expanded, they welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, offering the same nurturing care, involvement, and support that had been the hallmark of their parenting. 

In addition to his devoted family life, Bill had a variety of passions and hobbies. He was an avid fisherman, finding joy and relaxation in the sport. His enthusiasm for muscle cars was notable, with a particular fondness for Corvettes. Besides these interests, Bill was musically inclined, playing the drums, and a skilled artist who’s sketches included portraits, cars, and still-life. SCUBA diving was his most passionate hobby and one he shared with Carol. Together they explored a world underwater in many locations across the globe.

Bill's playful personality shone through in his love for making others laugh, a trait cherished by both his children and grandchildren. He had a running joke that no matter the time of day, he would amusingly tell them, "It's time for bed!” 

His absence will be profoundly felt, but the memories and lessons he imparted will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Carol M. King, and his sister Janet Jensen. 

Those left to cherish his memories include his daughters, Heather McGrew (Rob), Allison Johnson (Charlie), and Leslie King (Jerry Carter); grandchildren, Amanda Howard (Ben), Brandon Fantini, Will Johnson (Mackenzie), Beth Leichhardt (Mason), Ben Johnson, Lindsay Goss (Nick), Mary Eaggleston Sturgill (Logan), Matthew Eaggleston, Amber Carter, and Zac Carter; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, Alexandra, Paige, Parker, Charli, Lucas, Myra, and Liam; special cousin, Rè Biastre; special friends, Nelda and Tim Brown, and faithful canine companion, Maya.

The funeral Mass for Bill King will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Precious Blood Catholic Church, with visitation at the church from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.