Robert James King

Robert James King, age 89, passed away in his sleep on June 18, 2026, at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on June 5, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma to Earl and Myrtle (Springfield) King. At 25, Robert married Virginia Louise Groseclose in Gainesville, Texas on August 10, 1962. The two were married for 47 years until her passing on June 10, 2010. Robert was then remarried to Betty Jo (Hobson) Cochran in Franklin, Indiana, on September 12, 2011 at 74 years old.

He started work in the hospital field as a lab technician in 1962 then concluded his career as a hospital administrator in addition to other roles. After his retirement in 2009, Robert continued to work in many different fields including as a nursing home administrator, realtor and insurance agent, and taught Business administration at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Hospital Management and Laboratory technology classes at OU. He also served as a Boy Scouts leader for Troop 348 from 1977-1980 and became a cancer survivor in 2025.

Robert graduated from Oklahoma University in 1975 and attended his 50th Alumni Anniversary in September 2025. He remained an avid, lifelong fan of the OU athletics program, especially the OU Sooners football team. In addition to watching OU sports, Robert loved playing tennis and golf with friends and family. He would volunteer in numerous US Open Golf Tournaments over the years. While participating in the OU ROTC, he found a love for flying. Robert pursued the dream of being a pilot by working on his private pilot's license. In 1969, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma Baptist University.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Terry, and his wife, Virginia. Survivors include his second wife Betty, two sons Tony King, Tim King and wife Julie of Arkansas City, Kansas, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or another medical research group. Graveside rites will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha.