Pee King

L P "Pee Wee" King, 83, of Mansfield, Texas, passed away Friday, August 3, 2012. Believe it or not, L P was once a small boy and earned his nickname from his brother Glen. From that time he was forever known as "Pee Wee". He lived in and around the Mansfield area for most of his life, graduating from Mansfield High in 1946. During his teen years he was employed by Claude Galloway's gas station and developed a love for motorcycles and cars. He had an upper hand at fixing his mistakes at King's Garage owned by his father and brother. After high school he served in the US Army during the Korean War stationed in Germany. After completing his military duty, he continued his employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company working in various positions there until his retirement in 1986 after 39 years of service. He married the love of his life, Mary Agnes Ballweg, on Nov. 9, 1956. Together they proceeded to build a life together which included 4 children and 7 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Pee Wee never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with anyone at any time. Pee Wee had an electric personality and attracted all the attention when he entered a room. He loved camping with his RV. He was an avid archer and won many awards in the sport. He loved to watch sports especially girls' basketball and Texas Rangers baseball games. He demonstrated the fruit of the spirit with his compassion for others in need, a peaceful spirit and a very forgiving heart. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He will be forever missed. Pee Wee was preceded in death by a son, Larry Preston, parents J. C. "Doc" and Viola King, brother Glen King, granddaughter April Swindell and his beloved dog, Blackjack. In true Pee Wee fashion, he requested that no suits and ties be present at his funeral. Survivors: Wife Mary King; son, Keith King and wife Karen; daughters, Darlene Tickell and husband Kenneth and Janet Trivett and husband Jeff; grandchildren, Clinton and Ashley Swindell, Riley and Barbara Nunley, Brandon King, Ashley and Josh Abbott, Morris Dan Pinyan, Brittany and Brandon Deen, Alana Nichols and Bailee King; seven great grandchildren; sister in law, Helen King; nephews, Steve King and Scott King.