Katie Mae King, age 91, peacefully passed from this life on April 12, 2021 at home surrounded by family.
Katie was born in Hedley, Texas, on February 4, 1930 to Allie and Charlie Koeninger. She graduated Valedictorian of Oklaunion High School in 1947. She then attended North Texas State Teacher’s College in Denton, Texas, and obtained a bachelor of science degree in Home Economics.
After graduation in 1950, she moved to Howe, Texas, where she started her 27-year teaching career. Katie taught Home Economics early in her career. She also sponsored the Pep Squad, managed the school cafeteria, and sponsored the Future Homemakers of America Club. She was influential to many students, especially young women in developing life skills. In the 1970s, Katie obtained her master of science in Elementary Education from East Texas State University. After graduation, she then taught middle school math, science, and social studies until she retired.
She met the love of her life, Joe Clyde King, at the First United Methodist Church in Howe, Texas in 1950. She later married Joe at the same church. They were married for 66 years until Joe passed in 2018.
Katie was an active member of the Howe First United Methodist Church. She was part of the Wesley Sunday school class, Wednesday Workers, and Methodist Women, as well as the Bereavement committee.
Katie cooked delicious pecan pies using pecans raised on the family farm. She would cook pies to donate every year to the Howe United Methodist Bazaar fundraiser. They always sold quickly!
Katie loved family gatherings. They were a highlight of her retirement years. She loved holiday cooking and especially loved playing Scrabble with her children and grandchildren. Her vocabulary as a teacher made her a formidable opponent. In her later years, she used crossword puzzles to keep her mind sharp. They were her favorite hobby.
Katie was also involved in the Delta Kappa Gamma and Red Hat Society.
She is survived by her three daughters Kathie and husband Bruce Allen of Whitewright, Susan King of Plano, and Lesa and husband Terry Williams of Garland. She had 3 grandchildren, Karen (Allen) Seabourn and husband Justin of Azle, Texas, Stacy (Allen) Wilson and husband Jared of Garland, Texas, and Bailey Williams of Garland, Texas, as well as 4 great grandchildren, Brandon, Zoe, and Kendyll Seabourn, and Katie Wilson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and her sister, Doris Nation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home. The register book can be signed online at www.waldofuneralhome.com/obituary/katie-king.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Katie’s memory to Howe United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Howe, Texas.