Ernest King

Ernest Wayne King, 91, of Canyon, TX passed away September 7, 2018.  Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Brooks Chapel with Rev. Kevin Deckard, Associate Pastor Polk Street United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow at 3:00 P.M. at Higgins Cemetery. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Ernest was born February 13, 1927 in Canadian, TX to Ethel (Tarbox) King and Luther King. Ernest's father died when he was 17 months old and his mother moved to Higgins, TX to be near her family. Ernest was four years old when his mother married Oscar Peterson who became the father for Ernest and his sister, Syble. Ernest was in school at Higgins when drafted into the armed service on September 3, 1945. His service time was at Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, TX serving in the Military police until his discharge on January 8, 1947. Ernest married his high school sweetheart, Roberta Coulson, December 14, 1947 in Springdale, AR. They raised their three children in their country home near Higgins. Ernest was a farmer/rancher but also worked a few years for the Lipscomb County Soil Conservation Service and Bybee Drilling Company. Ernest was an active 4H Leader and took interest in his children's school and church activities. He was a member of the Higgins United Methodist Church and the American Legion. He received the Lipscomb County Outstanding Conservationist Award on March 30, 1979. After the children were grown, Ernest and Roberta moved into a home in Higgins. They enjoyed having close neighbors for 17 years but then decided to move back to the farm home. After 12 years back at the farm, they made a big change and moved to the Palo Duro Retirement Village in Canyon, TX. where they found new friends and were closer to family. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, a brother who died as a baby, his sister, Syble Tucker and the love of his life, Roberta Coulson King. Survivors include his daughter Mary Fern and husband, Jim Slavin, of Miami, TX and two sons, Ray and wife, Vickie, of Anchorage, AK and Joe and wife, Jane, of Canyon. Their families include 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by other relatives including nieces and nephews.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to one of the following charities: Higgins United Methodist Church, 220 N Main, Higgins, TX 79046 First United Methodist Church Canyon, 1818 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015 Faith City Mission, 401 SE 2nd Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101