David Golman King

David Golman King, 60, was born June 26, 1966, in Louisville, Kentucky, and died August 28, 2026. A man of many talents and steady courage, David moved through life with a quick wit close at hand, a loyal heart, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that made others feel both welcomed and well-advised. He lived in Shelbyville, Kentucky, but his curiosity and bold spirit always seemed to keep one foot pointed toward the next horizon.

David was a graduate of St. Xavier High School, class of 1984. After proudly serving in the United States Air Force for 8 years and 9 months—earning the rank of Staff Sergeant—he put his determination and drive to work through his G.I. Bill, attending the University of Louisville Speed School and graduating with high honors with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1998. His life reflected a rare blend of discipline and creativity: the kind of person who could solve a problem, build something beautiful, and still make you laugh while doing it.

He was married to his wife, Joyce Ruth King, for almost 34 years. Their story carried the sort of perfectly “David” twist you couldn’t make up: they were married by telephone while he was on active duty, stationed in Guam—September 17th in Louisville and September 18th in Guam, just across the International Dateline. After that, they did what loyal partners do—kept choosing each other, again and again, through the years.

David was the very proud father of Alexander Doszhan King (Chandler O'Neal Miller). In December 2001, David and Joyce traveled to Almaty, Kazakhstan, to bring Alex home and complete their family. David delighted in sharing what he loved—introducing Alex to football, Star Wars, superheroes, bird watching, bb-guns, and video games. Alex fondly remembers being woken up early for yard work, flying kites, riding roller coasters, and throwing ball, memories that capture David’s particular brand of love: present, practical, and unmistakably his. Alex followed in his father’s footsteps as a 4th generation graduate of St. Xavier High School.

David’s interests were as wide-ranging as they were joyfully pursued. He enjoyed woodworking, flying kites, scuba diving (achieving certification as a Divemaster), sailing the open ocean while in Guam, and launching model rockets skyward. He loved wire sculpting, Lego sets, and stargazing with his telescope—proof that wonder doesn’t age out, it deepens. He also loved a good game of Pai Gow Poker, and he especially loved the 4th of July, putting on the best firework shows with a sense of fun that never needed an excuse. In so many ways, David made life brighter—sometimes with sparks and color, often with laughter, always with heart.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady and Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Military Honors will be rendered by the US Air Force that evening at 6:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Louisville Public Media.