Dr. Phillip Eugene King

1932 - 2026

Jun 24, 1932 - Mar 8, 2026

Dr. Phillip Eugene King, a man of boundless curiosity, sharp intellect, and the rare confidence required to complete crossword puzzles in ink, passed away peacefully on March 08, 2026 at the age of 93 surrounded by his loving family at the North Care Hospice House. He was born on June 24, 1932 on the family farm near Nashua – land that now serves as Resurrection Cemetery. A proud longtime fixture of Clay County, MO, Phil lived a life that was as broad as it was deep, spanning from the Asia-Pacific seas to the neighborhoods of Liberty.

Phil's educational journey began at Franklin Elementary School until graduation at Liberty High. The discipline he learned as an Eagle Scout, was a foundation that served him well. He graduated with a degree in psychology from William Jewell College. After Officer Candidate School, he served three years as a naval officer aboard a minesweeper in the seas around Japan and Korea. Following his service, he earned his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1961. It was during his medical school years that he met his soulmate, Donna Kay (Kuykendall) McClelland, who became his wife of 66 years, arguably one of his most successful decisions in life. The two married before graduation and began a long, devoted life together. His medical school graduation was a true family affair, attended by wife and his eldest son, Patrick Tod King, just two weeks old at the time.

Phillip's medical career was as varied as his talents. Dr. King began his work as a doctor in Excelsior Springs, where his daughter, Amy Suzanne King, was born. He later moved his practice to Liberty, embodying the classic "country doctor" who delivered babies and made house calls – before transitioning to emergency medicine at North Kansas City hospital. Continuing his lifelong love of learning, at the age of 44, Phillip returned to medical school at the University of Kansas to specialize in Radiology, eventually spending 18 years as a Diagnostic Radiologist in Johnstown, PA, until his retirement.

Phillip was a man who's strength was evident in his 20-year journey overcoming prostate cancer. Known for his uncommon intellect and curiosity. He was a qualified scuba diver, a licensed commercial and instrument pilot, and the skipper of a Sweet 16 sailboat. And he was just as comfortable with a needle as he was with a compass. His creative spirit flourished through hand-crafted stained glass, watercolors, quilting, cross-stitching, and the intricate craft of weaving baskets from Torrey Pine needles. He also found joy in the written word through humorous verses he would write for special occasions.

Among Phil's many talents was one that delighted, puzzled, and occasionally baffled anyone lucky enough to be in the room-he was a highly-skilled amateur magician. Fascinated with magic from an early age, Phil approached the craft with the same discipline and curiosity that defined the rest of his life.

He was a longtime member of both the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, not just as a participant but as a true student of the art. Over the years, he gave numerous public performances and, more importantly, never missed an opportunity to turn a family gathering into an impromptu show. If there was a deck of cards nearby-or even if there wasn't-Phil was ready. In later years, he turned his focus to mentalism, mastering the subtle and mysterious art of what most of us would simply call mind reading. Whether by sleight of hand or reading minds, he had a way of leaving audiences equal parts amazed and suspicious. In recognition of his dedication and talent, Phil was honored as Magician of the Year by one of his clubs-a title he likely accepted with humility, a hint of a smile, and perhaps a trick or two still up his sleeve.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kay; their children, Patrick King, Amy King, and Michael (Mary) King, and four granddaughters, Emily, Lauren, Katie, and Alli.

He was preceded in death by parents, and his brother, Charles.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty, MO. 1640 State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Care Hospice House: 2800 Clay Edwards, Dr. FL 2, Kansas City, MO 64116.