Duane Owens King

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Huckelbery-King; Daughter, Stacey Simmons; Son-in-Law, Steve Simmons; Grandchildren: Hunter Simmons, Shelby Simmons, Colton Simmons, Cooper Simmons and Gradin Simmons. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly King.

He was born on May 15, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri and was lovingly adopted by Victor and Charlotte King. Victor was career Navy and the family traveled throughout the world, eventually settling in Winter Park, Florida. He graduated from Winter Park High School and Rollins College where he received two Master’s Degrees; Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Management.

D.O. enlisted in the United States Army on March 24, 1967. He was commissioned in 1968 and was deployed to Vietnam as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. While serving multiple tours in Vietnam, his bravery earned him numerous medals, commendations and honors. D.O. was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, three Overseas Service Bars and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain on April 4, 1972.

D.O was hired by the Orlando Police Department as a police officer on June 25, 1972. Throughout his career, he worked in patrol, CID – auto theft, K-9, and the Airport Division. He took great pride to be one of the original members of the Rescue Team, later to be called SWAT. He proudly, yet humbly received many awards, commendations and honors. He devoutly served his community with dignity and respect and retired as a Sergeant on May 29, 1998.

His spirit of adventure manifested itself in many forms. He loved exploring caves in Northwest Arkansas with his cousins, repelling off the tallest building he could find, sailing across the ocean in a 24 foot boat, bungie jumping, and participating in various sporting events. He competed in the National and International Police Olympics where he won numerous gold medals in the javelin.

D.O. retired to New Smyrna Beach in 2014 where he spent his happiest days with his wife of 27 years, Rhonda; driving on the beach, eating at his favorite local restaurants, watching the manatees and dolphins, appreciating the beautiful sunsets and having a beer while perched on his barstool at the window of Traders. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, his Tuesday-night group and being a member of the $1K Club.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was known for his loyalty and devotion to his country, family, friends and the local establishments at New Smyrna Beach. He was a man of few words with a heart that spoke volumes. There was not a person he wouldn’t help, nor a broken object he couldn’t fix.

Abraham Lincoln said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years” and D.O lived with a fullness that could fill ten lifetimes. He was the epitome of contentment with his life well lived.

Duane Owens King will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Traders, 317 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169.

In Lieu of flowers, the family has requested to have donations made in honor of D.O. King to the Orlando Police Hero’s Foundation, 5505 Hansel Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809. All monies received will be used to offset the costs associated with the next OPD Retiree’s Reunion BBQ.