Kenneth Dale King

During the summer of 1964, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he completed Navy boot camp and then graduated from South Mountain High School in 1965. Soon after, married his high school sweetheart, Arlene, with whom they had three sons in their union.

Ken King served in Quang Tri and Da Nang VietNam as a SeaBee. After returning to the United States in 1968, Ken worked for Mountain Bell (US West/Qwest, which is now CenturyLink) as a lineman, data systems technician and supervisor. During his career at Mountain Bell, he concurrently advanced through the ranks in the Navy Reserves. After 38 years, he retired from Mountain Bell as a supervisor and shortly thereafter, retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer.

As an active and dedicated member of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other volunteer organizations, he served in several key leadership positions. His efforts supported programs related to homelessness, mental health, and suicide prevention.

In his dedication for service, Ken has provided programs for children and youth in the community; he organized both Cub Scout dens and Boy Scout troops and served as Cub Pack Master and Troop Leader. Ken had been actively involved in leading junior shooting sports and oratorical programs throughout the State and supporting high school JROTC programs. He has worked with churches to support single parents to provide education opportunities and employment for their children.

Ken King helped to raise thousands of dollars each year for nursing scholarships for young adults seeking careers in the field of medicine. He was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society in 2021.

He leaves behind sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.