David King

David R. King, age 79 of Liberty, Kentucky passed away peacefully Tuesday December 23, 2025 at his home. David was born on June 16, 1946 in Louisville to Herlen and Vesta Smith King of Liberty. He was a 1964 graduate of Liberty High School. Post-secondary training included the University of Kentucky, Campbellsville College, and the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science.

David married Clydia York King on December 22, 1968 and recently celebrated 57 years. In 1969 he enlisted in the Navy completing Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois and Aviation Training in Memphis, Tennessee. David and his new wife were stationed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida until his service contract was completed in 1973. While in the Navy, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, ADR "A" Course Honorman class 929, the Presidential Unit Citation, and HT-8 "Man of the Month" in 1971. In 1972 David won the Sports Award coaching the golf team.

He was the former owner of Green River Tackle Shop, co-owner of King's Department Store with his brother Jerry, and co-manager of K-Pat Enterprises. David worked in Wallace's Bookstore Inc. in the late 1960's with Wallace and Leonard Wilkinson. Over 25 years later, he served in Governor Wilkinson's administration as the Director of the Park Ranger Division for the Kentucky Department of Parks where he left an indelible mark on the state park security.

In his spare time, he enjoyed reading history, hunting arrowheads, collecting historical artifacts, supporting local politics, car racing, and watching UK athletics. An avid fisherman both locally and regionally, David qualified for the first annual BFL All-American championship, a prestigious amateur bass fishing tournament established in 1983. He enjoyed investing in his community by serving on various boards and committees and led the Casey County Apple Festival as chairman in 1980, 81, 85, and 86.

David worked tirelessly to provide for his wife and three boys. Whether it was coaching t-ball, attending sporting events, taking the boys fishing, camping with the Boy Scouts, or vacationing in Gatlinburg, he found the time.

David and his parents were long time members of the Brush Creek Christian Church and committed countless hours to the care and management of the Brush Creek Cemetery.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years Clydia of Liberty, three sons, Brad (Nicky) of Stanford, Brian (Angela) of Liberty, and Barry (Amy) of Liberty; One brother, Jerry (Kay) of Liberty; One brother in law Tony York (Katie) of Liberty; Grandchildren LeAnn, Adam, Jenna, Jackson, Ava, Asher, and Archer; Great grandchildren Bailey, Andy, Campbell, Junei, and Adam Wayne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jasper Stewart and nephew Ryan King.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brush Creek Cemetery in care of Barry King, P.O. Box 1114 Liberty, Kentucky 42539. The family would like to express gratitude to Lake Cumberland Hospice for their care and concern during these last days.

Visitation will be held 10:30 A.M. on Monday December 29th, 2025, at Bartle Funeral Home Chapel. Memorial Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday December 29th, 2025, at Bartle Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jeff Bell officiating.