Thomas William King

Thomas King lived a life of love, service, and impact between November 6, 1940 and August 18, 2025. Although his body battled many unwelcome opponents during his last years, Tom overpowered challenges through his fierce determination, competitive spirit, loyal teammates, and just enough tomato soup, chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bars, chocolate malts, and Instant Breakfast to fight, fight, fight until the game was won. He is now at rest-even when the Hawkeyes, Cubs, Bears, and Keokuk Chiefs are in the final seconds of close contests. Tom's All-Star team included countless colleagues in education, devoted students and athletes he taught and coached in the Keokuk Public Schools, the long-time friends and family with whom he built memories (and mischief) for decades, the beloved pets he spoke to with his kind hands and soft words, and the medical professionals with whom he placed his trust. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Gertrude King, older siblings Jack King (Vonnie), Carol Harden (Jack), Robert King, and granddaughter Rylee Hymes. Carrying on Tom's pride and joy are his wife of 60 years, Cynthia Lou King, daughter Laura (King) Kome and husband Eric Kome, son Brent King and wife Dana (Hoppe) King, daughter Becky (King) Landrey and husband Jerry Landrey, and all his nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Butch". Perhaps the most valuable people Tom shared the second half of his life with were those who call him "Grandpa". The lucky recipients of that special honor are Jack and Owen Abel, Connor and wife Crystal King, Alexa and Nathan King, Bronte, Abram, and Esme Collaguazo, Drew Hymes, Ethan and Josie Marshall, Jeremy and wife Kristen Landrey, and Jackson Landrey. Throughout his life, Tom was an outstanding athlete and competitor–particularly in track and wrestling–and enjoyed golf and participating in and cheering on sports of all kinds. His approachable voice and manner enabled him to create friends and conversations everywhere he ventured-especially if he spotted a kindred Hawkeye fan via their black and gold gear. Restaurants, ticket lines, airport terminals, and grocery store aisles all became fertile ground for a new connection. Mr. King represented the heart and soul of what it meant to be a teacher through generations of Keokuk's Public Schools, compassionately teaching and coaching students of all levels and abilities. He looked for the gifts in each child who walked (or ran) through the door, and when class, practice, or a driving lesson ended, his legacy did not. Among Tom's most storied roles was "The King" of Keokuk High School's football chain gang crew for 48 consecutive years-marking the start of each set of downs, the line to gain, and the number of the current down. In this role Tom demonstrated a complete mastery of the rules, punctuality, alertness, professionalism, and a keen ability to work in a team setting. Tom summoned these same attributes on the fields of his life. He took on each new challenge-or line to gain-he faced with enthusiasm and did everything he could to get a new set of downsand keep the game moving forward with his family, friends, and community. By all accounts, Tom was victorious every single one of his years, and we will honor his humor, stubbornness, strength, stubbornness (yes, it needs a double mention), and presence as we keep moving the chains forward in remembrance of him. We will celebrate the life of Thomas William King on August 29, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, Iowa. All are welcome to stop by and chat with us and/or stay for a short service to follow-an opportunity to share our sentiments and stories. A private inurnment will honor Tom at a later date. Memorials in Tom's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals or to the Keokuk Schools Activity Fund and will be handled with care via Vigen Memorial Home.