Tommie Lavern (Kropp) King

Tommie Lavern King went to be with her heavenly father on December 25, 2025. She was a loving and loyal daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and grace, and for keeping a home and table that was ever welcoming.

Born on March 19, 1933, in Eola, Texas, Tommie was the daughter of Tom and Lydia Kropp. Growing up, she was raised on farm life. She played volleyball, enjoyed close friends, and flourished in a warm and loving home environment.

Tommie graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in Home Economics. She taught in Belton, during which time she met USAF pilot Noel King, whom she married on July 13, 1957. Their honeymoon was the trip to Eielson AFB, Alaska, including the Alcan highway, which at that time, was not paved, and was riddled with potholes.

Military life brought relocation to 5 states. Within the first decade, the couple added three children, Darwin, Gaillard, and Betsy, to their family. Tommie lovingly cared for her children during Noel’s long missions, including a year in Vietnam. When Noel returned from trips, he would often find the camper and boat loaded and ready for family ski and fishing excursions or visits to national parks.

As a wife and mother, Tommie was actively involved in the lives of her family. She graciously attended Noel’s military social events, she supported her sons’ participation in Boy Scouts, she encouraged her daughter’s participation in activities, and she managed to work as a substitute teacher as time allowed. Like her mother, her love and generosity were largely illustrated at the dinner table, from which no one ever left hungry.

After Noel retired from the Air Force, Tommie worked side by side with him while farming for 31 years. After a second retirement, the couple spent much time enjoying life with family and friends and engaging in social activities such as canasta and 42. They enjoyed RV life, visiting their family and friends, and enjoying the sights as they traveled throughout the US, including Alaska and also much of Canada. Postcards of their adventures followed their trail.

Tommie is survived by her children, Darwin and Betsy King, daughter-in-law Rhonda King, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Noel King, son Gaillard King, and her parents. Tommie will be remembered for her strength, loyalty, and loving attention to the lives of those she loved. Her memory will live on through the family and friends she cherished.

Burial will be at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery for immediate family on January 23, 2026. A memorial will follow at a later date.