John Belton King

John Belton King, 73, of Bossier City, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family at Baylor Scott & White Hospital, near his current home in Frisco, TX. A gentle giant with an even bigger heart, John was the kind of man everyone loved—an unwaveringly devoted husband, a proud father and brother, a cherished "Papa John" to his grandkids and a beloved “Big John” to his loyal friends from decades of school, church, and work.

Born on January 25, 1952, John’s life was defined by faith, family, and friendship. He graduated from Fair Park High School in 1970, where he played football and made lifelong friends. Recruited to play at LSU, he later transferred and graduated from Louisiana Tech before he began his career in oil and gas. As a partner and founder of Head & King Exploration, he built a respected name in the industry before eventually joining his wife Susan Cockrell King to become the true King of Real Estate.

John met Susan in the 7th grade when they became best friends and later shared 47 beautiful years of marriage. They shared an unbreakable bond and no one spent more time together than the two of them—working side by side every day and never once taking their love for granted. He never removed his pure and simple gold wedding band, a symbol of their lifelong commitment. Watching Susan care for him over the past 13 years was a testament to the deep, unwavering love that everyone hopes to find in life.

Although he experienced the greatest loss a parent can with the loss of his son, Eric, at the young age of 2, John devoted himself to being the best father imaginable. He passed on his creative spark, his intellect, and his endless love to his daughter, Kristi. His musical talent was cherished by all, especially his grandkids and son-in-law, Scott, ensuring that a piece of him lives on daily in the melodies they play.

Thirteen years ago, John's battle with cancer nearly took his life, but by the grace of God and the incredible work of BeTheMatch.org, he was given the gift of time. Through this lifesaving organization, he was matched with a generous bone marrow donor, Camila of Dubai, whose selfless donation allowed him to continue living, loving, and creating memories. That precious time meant he was able to see his grandsons, Owen and Eli, grow even taller than he was and to be better basketball players than he ever dreamt of. It also afforded him the ability to see his granddaughter, Rhett, grow into a fierce "Go Fish" competitor who treasured every paracord creation her Papa John made. They all are now old enough to truly appreciate and remember exactly how special their Papa John was.

John was a storyteller, a brother, and a man whose friendships stood the test of time. He shared a special bond with his dear brother, Bobby Joe King, and his wife, Donna, as well as his beautiful sister, Jan King McKinnon, and her husband, Billy Wayne. He was blessed with the absolute best of friends—some stories of their adventures we know, but oh, how we wish we could hear them all again. His many nieces and nephews adored him and will forever cherish the love and laughter he brought into their lives.

John’s faith was his foundation, and while his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his family takes great comfort in knowing he is now healthy in heaven, pickin’ and grinnin’ and happily reunited with his beloved son, Eric King, and his parents, Glenwell and Bobby Joe King. As a dear friend said, “Grief is clarity of how powerful your love is.” And while faith makes this loss easier to process, it does not make it easy.

John is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Scott Maynor; his treasured grandchildren, Owen, Elijah, and Rhett; his brother Bobby Joe King and his wife, Donna; his sister Jan King McKinnon and her husband, Billy Wayne; his cousins, many nieces and nephews; and countless friends and family members who will forever carry his spirit in their hearts. And we can’t forget Moon Shadow, the beloved Golden Doodle companion who was his full-time shadow.

John Belton King lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. He was a blessing to all who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Rest in peace, John.

1.25.52 – 2.12.25