Everett Edward King

Everett E. King, a father, grandfather, physicist, and lifelong musician, passed away on July 27, 2025, at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett O. and Thelma L. King, and his beloved wife, Gale E. King (Meyer). He is survived by his children, Jeffrey King (wife Dawn) and Jennifer Thompson (husband Derek); his grandchildren, Dena King (husband Vijay), Jeffrey King Jr., Madeline King, and Tara Thompson; and his brother, Kenneth King (wife Barbara and their children and grandchildren).
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1937, young Everett pursued a life defined and shaped by his loving family, school, and opportunities to learn about music and how to play instruments, including the saxophone and piano. He enjoyed intellectual curiosity, creativity, and service. After graduating from Arsenal Technical High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Indiana University in 1959, a Master of Science degree in Physics from the University of Maryland in 1966, and continued graduate studies beyond his degrees.
Everett's professional career spanned nearly five decades, starting with 21 years as a Research Physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory. He went on to hold senior roles at Northrop, the Advanced Research and Applications Corporation, and The Aerospace Corporation. He was instrumental in advancing technologies for national defense and security, including his work on the B-2 Stealth Bomber and the Peacekeeper missile program. His expertise in radiation-hardened electronics, superconductivity, semiconductor design, and defense systems led to major contributions in cutting-edge projects. He published numerous technical papers, presented at major conferences, led research initiatives for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, and was honored with many awards over the course of his career.
Outside of his scientific work, Everett enjoyed spending time in nature, photography, woodworking, and making models of planes and trains. He also continued to be a passionate musician throughout his life. He composed big band arrangements and original music scores, and was a charter member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band. He played in the Naval Research Laboratory orchestra for many theatrical performances put on by the Showboaters, and performed in the Bob Sauer Big Band, including playing at a live performance from the Nation's Capital captured by an album produced from that event. His love of music reflected the depth of his creativity, brought joy to those around him, and produced a vast collection of songs that he worked on even through his final days.
A private memorial will be held by the family at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana.