Gaylene King

Growing up across the street from Ron & Rick meant we spent a lot of time together, which also meant we had many occasions to be watched and chauffeured around to movies, swimming pools, ballgames, etc. by Gaylene. Most kids have a couple of friends that had a cool mom. Gaylene was a cool mom. It seemed she was always in a good mood and laughing. I am going to miss this “cool mom”. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ron, Rick, and the King family.

I grew up across the street from the King family and there was no cooler mom than Gaylene. Rick and I played alot of sports together and I remember her being very involved in whatever her Rick and Ron were doing. She was so supportive of them and of all of us that were in her circle of friends. Her house was a “hangout” for all of us when we were in high school because she was the “cool mom”. I even remember her playing in a fundraiser “donkey basketball” tournament when we were in high school, where you had to ride on the donkey while you play. Her laugh was unmistakable and infectious. The only thing mean that she ever did to us was make us pick green beans in her garden! (LOL) But that was usually rewarded by her taking us to the swimming pool when we were done! She also had alot of perserverence. Even later in life when she had an oxygen machine, I would see here at Big 12 tournaments where she would watch KU play. Being in a wheel chair, she had the best seat in the house and loved every minute of it. A piece of my heart is gone with her passing, but it comforts me to know that she is in heaven looking down on us. We’ll miss you Gaylene.