Donald Ferguson King

September 8, 1930 - May 8, 2023

Don King, 92, went home to be with the Lord on May 8th with family by his side.

Don was born in Schaller, Iowa to Loyal and Sadie King, and moved to Boulder with his family soon after his birth. Don attended Uni Hill Elementary/Junior High, Boulder High School, and continued his education at CU Boulder in architectural engineering. He took a break from CU to enlist in the Air Force during the Korean War, and served for 4 years. He was stationed in Korea for one year, serving as a pilot with the Kyushu Gypsy 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, which was a memorable and impactful time of his life. Soon after returning home from Korea, he married his sweetheart, Ellie Rogers, on July 19, 1953 and they went on to have four children. In June 1955, Don was hired by United Airlines, where he worked as a pilot and in management for the next 35 years.

In addition to his career as a pilot, Don had a passion for building. He learned the craft from his father, who owned King Construction Company. Don built the family home on Osage Drive, where he and Ellie lived for 59 years. He also built their cabin in Pinewood Springs, which the family has been enjoying for over 50 years. In addition to building these homes, Don has helped all of his children with their own construction projects, and continued to do so into his 80s. He was always a source of expertise and wisdom throughout his life.

Don was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Boulder and was active in the church community for many years. He was an integral part of a large renovation of the church in the late 1990s. His faith was manifested in practical ways, he has always been willing to lend a helping hand, or a hammer and saw. He had a generous spirit and shared his time and resources freely.

Don loved to tell stories of his life. He had an amazing repertoire of tales from his youth, his time in the Air Force, and as a pilot with United. He had many favorite stories that were often retold, but he would never fail to come up with a new story that hadn’t been heard before.

He was very proud of his eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and was supportive of them and all of their endeavors. He loved going to his grandkids' school and music performances and faithfully attended their sporting events, even in inclement weather.

Over the years Don and Ellie enjoyed traveling to a variety of destinations worldwide and made many fond memories along the way. Don has always been sociable and has developed countless life-long friendships, as well as continuing to make new friends along the way. He has touched many lives over his 92 years.

Don is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ellie. He is survived by his children: Ketha (George) Boespflug, David King, Andy (Lindsey) Clayton-King, Nancy (Steve) Peterson, as well as eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Commons Church in Boulder on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 am.