Funeral services for John Nathan King will be Saturday, November 23, 2013, at 2 PM in the Early High School Gym. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be today from 5 to 8 PM at Heartland Funeral Home.

He was born June 20, 1945, in Brownwood. He went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.

Johnny was the son of Roger and Emma Francis King. He grew up on a farm near Bangs where he attended elementary and junior high school. The family then moved to Brownwood in 1959 where he attended high school and would go on to graduate in 1963.

He then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University and later received a master of educational administration degree from Tarleton State University.

On Nov. 12, 1964, he married his beautiful, loving wife of 49 years, Evelyn Monnette (Bullard) King. They would then move on to continue their legacy with the birth of their three children, Todd, Melissa, and Keisha.

In 1965, only a year after his marriage, Johnny started his tenure of scholastic service in Zephyr. In his first year there, he held the office of principal, teacher, coach and bus driver where he continued for 10 more years. He then spent two years in Moody serving as principal and coach.

It was not until he moved to Early that he found the place he would leave his mark and raise his family. He realized the people were genuinely good, and that the school was in need of a man with his particular skill set and passion.

He served as principal of Early High School from 1977 to 1990 and then went on to become superintendent of Early from 1990 to 2003. After retiring, he continued to serve as interim superintendent and consultant for several schools around the Central Texas area.

If he ever had to answer a question concerning the workings of Early ISD or any of the schools he served, he would automatically address the question with a question… “How will this decision affect the children of this district?” That’s where his heart stayed. Because of this mind set, and commitment to excellence, Johnny received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career.

In the eyes of those who knew him, he was solid as a rock. Sound in his integrity, with a heart as big as Texas. That commitment to excellence extended well beyond his vocation.

He was a committed, loving husband and father whom his family adored. He was a faithful, trustworthy brother and companion to his family and friends.

Johnny loved to fish. He was an excellent chef, and barbecue connoisseur. He loved to laugh and spend time with his family and friends. He was a member of High Mesa Cowboy Church, where he worshiped and loved to listen to his son preach.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Roger Bert King and Emma Francis (Sikes) King, and a sister Wanda Sue (King) Condron. Johnny is survived by his wife, Monette King; son, Todd King and wife Rachel; daughters, Melissa Sessler and husband Paul, Keisha Hamilton and Brian Clark; and his grandchildren, Trevor Hamilton, Levi Hamilton, Sarah King, Meagan Sessler, Conner King, Drew Sessler, and Jacob Nixon, all of Early. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Mann of Blanket and husband Tommy; brother, Bill King and wife Nancy of Early, and brother-in-law, James (Jim) Condron of Abilene; and a number of nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Johnny had a great sense of honesty and fairness as well as a quick wit and sense of humor. He had a positive impact on the lives of many students, teachers, parents, family and friends and he will be forever and greatly missed.

Heartland Funeral Home of Early is in charge of arrangements.