Arthur “Art” Kenneth King III, 67, of Bryan went home to Jesus on Sunday, May 6, 2012. A memorial service celebrating Art’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 10 at First Baptist Church of Bryan. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. in Wharton, Texas, on Friday, May 11, at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Born on July 23, 1944 in Wharton, TX to Arthur Kenneth King Jr. and Wilma Faye King, Art graduated from Boling High School in 1962. He married Lylabeth Joyce in 1965 in Wharton. Art earned both his bachelor’s degree (class of ’66) and his master’s degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University. He served in the United States Army for three years and was honorably discharged in 1971.
Art was a Bryan ISD teacher from 1972-1974, then spent most of the last forty years working as a Realtor and broker for multiple local real estate agencies, most recently Remax Select. He owned and operated Art King Auctioneers, working as the primary auctioneer for over almost thirty years. In addition to doing estate sales and other auctions, he regularly donated his time for countless charity auctions.
Art served on many local and regional boards and committees, often as president or chairman, including the Bryan Rotary Club, BCS Chamber of Commerce, and BCS Board of Realtors, among others. He was the current president of the advisory board for The Salvation Army of Brazos County. He served for a time on the board of the Brazos River Authority, appointed by then Governor Bill Clements.
A deacon and leader in the local church for most of his adult life, Art considered his investment in the church as important as any other work. For over thirty years, Art and Lylabeth taught and led young engaged and newly married couples in the local church. Most of these people are still married, for what it’s worth.
Art is survived by his wife and soul mate Lylabeth Joyce King, his sons Ken and Ross, daughters-in-law Michelle and Staci, grandchildren Aken, Austin, Aaron, Sam, Jude, and Naomi, mother Wilma Faye King, brothers Dwight King, Dwain King, and Roger King and their families, and numerous other beloved relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army of Brazos County, 2506 Cavitt, Bryan, Texas, 77801 or Mercy Project (mercyproject.net), PO Box 3005, Bryan, Texas, 77805.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sometimes it ‘s difficult understanding God’s plan, but rest assured there is one, and it leads us all “home”
Art was one of the special men I have most admired in my life. He was always a force of reason and integrity – a reflection of his rock solid faith in his savior Jesus Christ. He was eager to encourage all he encountered and brightened all our days.
Our Thoughts and Prayers go to your loving family. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Art when he would come in for closings at University Title Co. He would always greet you with a smile and ask how you were doing. He was thought so highly off and did such amazing things for so many different people and agency’s to be able to comfort and make things happen for so many people. What a true blessing Mr. Art King was and knowing that he will continue watching over his loving family he loved so very much. Blessings always, Suzanne Krupa
Heartfelt condolences to the family of Art King. May the Lord touch you all with His Spirit and Love. Art was an upperclassman when we first met during undergraduate studies at Texas A&M. His leadership skills were outstanding, and I will always remember his sincere smile as he communicated with others. May the Lord grant him eternal rest. Gig Em Aggies! Respectfully, Larry Ermis, Class of 1968.
Another angel called home. Sissy, Ken, Ross and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I know you will miss him dearly and your strong faith will help you through theses difficult times. I will always remember Uncle Art for his infectious smile and ability to make people laugh. He was and is truly an angel. Love, Johnna
We are deeply saddened at the news of Art’s death. It is so tragic to lose a dedicated Christian husband, father and grandfather. We are praying for peace and comfort for Art’s family and many, many friends.
Art will always remain in my heart, he was much like another brother to me just like his mom is another mom to me. Jesus needed you more than us. God bless your family. God be with Wilma Fae, Dwight, Dwayne, Rodger and all the extended Iago King family. Ben Fields
I am shocked and saddened by this tragic loss of a friend I’ve known since my days of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Iago Church. My prayers of comfort and encouragement go out to Lylabeth and the entire King family whom I have always considered as part of my own family – even if we are not officially related, but most certainly in the eyes of a loving God. May each of you hold tightly to a beautiful memory of Art – and may he be warmly greeted in Heaven by a host of those gone before him – Jerry, Gary, Ed, Hilda, Kenneth, Joe, Cleo, David, John, etc. and, of course, our Saviour. God Bless.
To Art’s loving family – our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. I am so glad I got to see the man Art turned out to be. He was always a cute, shy boy in our high school days. It seems he was still that cute, shy man, but with a very giving heart. What a wonderful husband and father he must have been to all of you. You are in our prayers. Dottie & Mannon Mints
I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Lylabeth. You guys have been soulmates and partners for so long and I know it’s hard to imagine life without him. I will always remember his smile, his sense of humor and his kindness. I’m glad we had a chance to talk by phone and look forward to giving you a hug in person very soon.
Olive
Lybeth and family,
Ron and I know how shocking a sudden loss can be. In this time of great saddness remember that the only way to get through it is to trust in God and let your family help you thought this tuff times. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis and Ron Young
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Art was a wonderful and caring man. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilage of knowing him. The only consolation in his death is that he is now in the loving arms of God.
What a wonderful service today honoring Art, and reminding all of us of the influence and impact he had on so many people! He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him!
May God comfort each of you during this difficult time, and may the hope of a glorious reunion sustain you in the days ahead. I would like to think that my Dad was there among those who welcomed him “home”.
After 40 years, we still think of the Kings as good friends. One memory that will never fade is the sight at our Donna’s viewing. When we opened the door to the chapel, the first people we saw were Art and Lylabeth. They were there, waiting on us with faces glowing with love and care, knowing there was very little they could say, but they grieved with us…and we knew it. Wish we could be there to return the same. But, we now grieve for you during this unspeakable loss.
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Art was amazing person and I always enjoyed working with him when I was with the Chamber of Commerce. He had an infectious laugh and a warm personality. What an incredible loss not only to the family, but to B-CS. I will continue to pray for God’s blessings and comfort.
Sandra and I were one of the couples in Art and Lylabeth’s Sunday School class many years ago and yes we are still married. I am so glad he shared his wisdom and funny life stories with us then. I enjoyed his sharing of the gospel and I know he rests with Jesus now. We will be thinking of Lylabeth and family during this time.
I was truly sadden to hear of Art’s passing. I will always remember his wonderful smile and soft spoken voice. He had a way of making you feel comfortable in his presence. My prayers are with you and your family.