Bertram Bert King

1934 - 2021

Bertram King

Oct. 7, 1934 - April 2, 2021

Bertram Emory King

DOB October 7, 1934 in Washington D.C.

Parents: Dr. Walter Bertram King and Edith Cecelia Nielsen King

Grandparents: Thorwald and Emma Nielsen

Brothers: Dennis and Norman King

Bert was born in Washington, D.C., and was reared in Atlanta, Georgia, by a sweet mother and a loving father. His father was a Baptist preacher and his mother a deaconess in the church. He was the oldest of three boys. His brothers are Dennis and Norman King.

He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track at Roosevelt High School. Graduated high school and entered Harvard University in 1952. Joined the Marine Corp in 1954. Entered Baylor University and graduated in 1960.

Married Joanne Hicks Comer June 23, 1962. Adopted her three children, Deborah (Debbie), Marc, and Shelby. Had Virginia Lee in 1963 and Bertram Nielsen (Spider) in 1970. His father passed away in 1987 and his mother in 2002.

Bert was loved by everyone that met him. He was kind, optimistic, adventurous, athletic, and always looked for a way to help. Bert was a lifeguard, insurance salesman, baseball coach, savings and loan officer, real estate appraiser, entrepreneur, and loan officer. He fully supported Baylor by being in Chamber, going to almost every sporting event they had since 1960, running for Athletic Director, fundraising, and sending three of his children to its institution.

Bert owned Farmers Supply and created King Saddle and Western Shop. He was involved in the Waco Lions Club and served as its President. He was on the board of Kiddieland, Waco Tennis Association, Vanguard Preparatory School, HOT Coliseum board and help start the Red Barn (donated the horse that is on the sign). He helped with the Rodeo and often had its cowboys to his shop to entertain his shoppers! He and mother were supporters of Waco Historic Foundation, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and I'm sure there are many others that I am unaware of.

Bert played tennis with his friends on weekends and loved watching Virginia's Vanguard and Richfield tennis matches and Spider's tennis and soccer games. He coached us by watching and by his example.

Dad was a FORCE in Waco. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial will be held at 10 a.m., May 1, 2021, at Crawford Cemetery. Donations can be made in his name to Waco Lions Club or the charity of their choice.