Wayne King

Wayne King of Clive, Iowa, pushed back from the poker table of life and cashed in his chips last Thursday night, June 30, 2016, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born to Lester and Hazel King in Wiota, Iowa, on September 5, 1933. He was the third and last in a trio of boys, likely the biggest prankster of the three. He attended Anita High School where he graduated in 1951. He met and married his high school sweetheart, MJ Sam Wheatley in 1952, and a daughter, Carla, was born in 1953. Another daughter, Michele, followed 13 years later in 1967.

In 1959 Wayne and Sam relocated to Des Moines so that Wayne could begin his career with Public Safety Communications for the State of Iowa. He worked more than 30 years for the state, the last decade as technical manager of Public Safety Communications. There, he enjoyed cherished friendships that continued long after retirement, where he and other retirees were members of “Old Farts Club.”

Readers might enjoy knowing that although Wayne may have appeared as a quiet, distinguished man on the outside, he had a fun-loving tiger prowling on the inside. The red wine stain on the family room ceiling was proof of that, all due to the flawless execution of the springing mongoose gag he pulled at a dinner party years back. Wayne was well known for his sense of humor. Sometimes he didn’t have a lot to say but what he did say was priceless.

Wayne was a loyal husband (and servant) to his wife, Sam, for 61 years. He was a man full of integrity, a character asset of which he passed down to his girls and grandchildren. As he aged and his health declined, his lap became a favorite resting spot for cats, and so he became an expert in cat petting.

Family, friends, and his two cats, Milly (RIP) and Billy, were the most important things in Wayne’s life. He adored his grandkids, Quinn and Maddi, and wouldn’t hesitate to bend a stranger’s ear while he gushed over them.

Wayne is survived by his daughters, Carla (Patrick) McGinnis of Taos, NM, Michele Perdue of Cumming, IA; grandchildren, Quinn and Maddi Perdue of Cumming, IA; a brother, William King (Cora) of Indianapolis, IN; his beloved cat, Billy; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Hazel King; his brother, Dale King; son-in-law, Scott Perdue; his wife, Sam; and his beloved cat, Milly.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 3:30 p.m. at the Woodlands Creek Active Retirement Community Clubhouse, 12655 Woodlands Parkway in Clive, IA, followed by visitation with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made in Wayne’s name to the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 38, Boone, IA 50036 or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa at www.arl-iowa.org.

As a sensible winner, Wayne would never count his chips from his lifetime of "living poker" but his haul was immense. Those chips included a great wife, kids and grandkids; loyal friends; a successful career; good laughs and a fantastic prank. Who could ask for more?

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