Robert King Jr.

Robert was born on Jan 20, 1937 in Milam County, TX to Robert King and Ethel Johnson. He attended school in Milam County and later moved to Austin, TX and attended Anderson High School.

On June 29, 1955, Robert joined the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Over the next 20 years, he completed assignments around the world, including a tour in Vietnam, serving with steady dedication and an unwavering sense of duty. He retired from the Air Force on June 30, 1975 as a Technical Sergeant (E-5).

His years of military service and technical expertise naturally carried into a distinguished civilian career in commercial aviation. Robert worked with many companies, including Air-Go, Braniff Airlines, Dalfort Aviation, Muse Air, and Southwest Airlines. In Houston, TX, he ultimately retired from Southwest Airlines as a Maintenance Director—earning deep respect for his hard work, integrity, and sound judgment. The esteem in which he was held was evident when Herb Kelleher, (co-founder and CEO of Southwest Airlines) personally attended Robert’s retirement and thanked him for his dedicated service to the company.

Those who knew Robert will remember a man of quiet strength and honest character—someone whose wisdom was shaped by experience and offered freely, without pretense. He had a generous, selfless way of seeing the best in others, and he was known for extending a helping hand whenever it was needed.

In his personal time, Robert enjoyed listening to music, tending to his ranch, and driving his tractor—simple pleasures that reflected a life grounded in purpose and steady contentment.

Robert is survived by wife Norma King (Spring, TX), sons Kenneth King (Buffalo, TX), Ronald King and wife Taysha (Gainesville, VA), Step-daughters Rosalind Wallace (Spring, TX), Sharon Huston (Houston, TX), Step-son Roscoe Adams and wife Tamela Love -Adams (Houston, TX), 7 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren, Sister Dorothy Williams and husband Sherman Williams (Buffalo, TX).

Visitation will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, US, on May 20, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at American Heritage Funeral Home on May 20, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on May 20, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support we have received. Your thoughtful expressions of sympathy have brought us comfort.

Uncle Bob Expressions of Love/Memories-

Uncle Bob was one of my heroes -Your great nephew; Brian A.

To My Loving Brother,

Words can’t express how I feel, but I am so thankful for all the years we have had. You were my first friend and my protector. May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear “I love and miss you and wish that you were here’’. Deep in my heart your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget, no more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there. A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near in my heart forever. I will miss you more than words can say. Love, your sister “Doll” Dorothy

To the man who was a second father, a steady hand, and a constant source of wisdom; you will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything you taught me, for the laughter and the quiet strength you brought into our lives. The lessons you taught and the love you gave remain etched in my heart forever. Rest peacefully, knowing you are loved beyond measure and will never be forgotten. I Love you, my only uncle Bob – Nephew-Michael T.

To my Uncle Bobby:

There are so many wonderful things I can say about you; I can’t just name one, two, or three. For your value and impact on my life was so much greater than that and I’m sure others would agree. The quiet strength of your walk, and the unconditional love you give; At the core of every word spoken, you wanted us to live. And though you are no longer with us, your spirit still lives on. So, I hold tightly to all your life’s lessons and the playing of every jukebox song. I love you very much, and you knew my love was true. How do I know you felt the same? Because you’d say, “I love you too.” Rest well, Uncle Bobby-Love your great niece “Smitty”-Krystina Reed

Uncle Robert King Jr. stands tall at the gates of heaven on April 30, 2026, finally at peace and free from the relentless rhythms of hospital life, savoring pure joy unbridled by earthy cares, basking in the radiance of eternal life with Jesus. We will always cherish the times my husband, JR and I would hang out at the ranch working on various projects and ending our fellowship with a special moment in prayer. Love your niece and nephew, Lillian and JR Roberson.

Uncle Bob, Uncle Bob, Uncle Bob, you are truly missed by me, and so many others. I appreciate every moment that we shared, all the laughs and talks that we had. I will always remember that special smile you would give, it was like a silent chuckle. Though you were a man of a few words, you were a man that led with your actions, and your actions spoke louder than words. We are thankful and grateful to be connected to such an amazing man. We are definitely going to miss spending time with you and having our sleepovers. Forever in our hearts, with love, your great niece and family, Karisma, Sam, Kanylah’Sam, and Anayah