Leslie Les King

Leslie was born on February 26, 1941, in Monahans, Texas to Lynch and Jewell (Midkiff) King. His parents were from pioneering ranching families in West Texas, the Kings and the Midkiffs. He attended elementary school in Midland before moving to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where he graduated high school in 1959. In high school, Les was a four-year letterman on the football and track teams. In track, he set a state record in high jump which stood for many years.

Immediately after graduating from high school, Les’ family moved to Fort Stockton, Texas, where he met his future wife Elizabeth Kathleen (Betty Kay) Butz. Les and Betty Kay were married in Fort Stockton on August 31, 1963.

Les earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from Sul Ross State University. He was branch manager of Penland Distributors in Odessa for 20 years and was also active in the oil and gas industry and ranching. Les was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Odessa where he volunteered for many years at the food pantry. He was a Mason and a Shriner and was active in supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children. Les also enjoyed working and spending time with family and friends at his ranch in Midland County and also at his house on Lake Buchanan.

Les is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty Kay King, two sons and their spouses, Collins and Kathleen King of Austin and Kirby and Barbara King of Austin and two grandchildren, Anna and Carson King. He is also survived by a brother and sister in law, Bentley and Georgia King of Fort Stockton and three nephews, Jim King, Scott King and John King. Les also had many close friends and family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynch and Jewell King.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, at the First United Methodist Church in Odessa with Terry Tamplen officiating. Arrangements are by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.