John Paul King

John Paul King, 87, was born in Zena , Oklahoma on November 23, 1938, to John Franklin King and Opal Ruth King. He grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma, and graduated as valedictorian of Edmond High School1; s Class of 1957. He attended Central State College, where he was class marshal, and earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Oklahoma State University in 1966.

On April 1, 1961, John married the love of his life, Jeanette Manis, in Edmond, Oklahoma. They shared 65 years of devoted marriage and deep friendship.

After completing his doctorate, John worked for two years at LTV in Grand Prairie, Texas, before returning to Edmond to join the faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma, then Central State University. He taught physics there for 36 years, where his tests terrified generations of students.

John loved working on projects with his sons and found ways to share in each one1; s interests. He never quit finding new ways to keep his mind active and engaged, while at the same time being someone who could dig a ditch better than just about anyone.

John and Jeanette were faithful members of Memorial Road Church of Christ for 58 years and raised their children to love the Lord.

Later in life, John and Jeanette enjoyed bowling together, a pastime they continued until the COVID pandemic. They enjoyed a wonderful life together, first raising their three boys and then delighting in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Even as John struggled with numerous health issues beginning in 2024, he continued to enjoy his family and a full house, with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren constantly bringing life into their home.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Franklin King and Opal Ruth King, and numerous beloved aunts and uncles.He is survived by his wife, Jeanette King; his younger brother, Tom King of Edmond, Oklahoma; and his sister, Betty Bray of Tyler, Texas.He is also survived by his three sons: Kevin King and wife Rene of Cayce, South Carolina; Greg King and wife Amy of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Chris King and wife Mellodie of Paris, Texas.His grandchildren are Josh King and wife Kailey, Daniel King and wife Katja, Ben King and wife Kara, Jackson King, Brooklyn Lenfield and husband Jacob, Samantha King, Madelyn King. Lauren Janik and her husband Dale, and Megan Perry. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren whom he adored.