E. J. "Joe" King Sr.

In the most loving and loyal memory of our father, Emory Joseph King - E.J. "Joe" King - who passed away on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, from a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was intensely devoted to his immediate and extended family as well as the community he served for over 50 years.

Our father was devoted to his "love and his lady" Ms. Jackie Marshall-King, his children, Sheri King-Minter, her husband James "Bubba" Minter and Emory Joseph "E.J." King and his wife Lauren Geddes-King. He was even more devoted to his four grandsons. The jewels in his Earthly crown. Joseph Kail Minter (age: 22), Emory Joseph "Trey" King III (age: 20), Wade James Minter (age: 18) and Ethan Carl King (age: 14).

Our father is proceeded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary King formerly of Anahuac, Texas and his brother Wesley King formerly of Winnie Texas. He is survived by his Sister Julia Selman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our father grew up along the coastal parts of Chambers County in Anahuac Texas, where he spent summers working with his father and uncles in the rice fields, harvesting corn, fishing with his cousins and picking figs to preserve with his mother. Dad graduated from Anahuac High School in 1962 and continued working with his sights set early on a career in law enforcement. "Uncle Sam" had other plans and called him to the Army. After basic training at Fort Polk, he served as a soldier in the Army Security Agency.

Once out of the Army, he turned his attention again to his career in law enforcement. He was accepted into the DPS Academy in 1967, graduated and began as a warrant officer in Harris County. The young Trooper that was raised in a small town sought out a more rural post; he asked and was transferred to Brazoria County where he remained a State Trooper for twelve years. During these years, Brazoria County got to know Joe King as a straight shooter who treated everyone he met with the same respect. During these years the young Trooper settled in and started his family.

Dad knew that to further his career he needed to return to school. He graduated from the University of Houston as a proud Cougar and later attended the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His dedication to the County he called home drove him in 1980 to run for Sheriff on the Republican ticket. Running as a Republican in Brazoria County at that time… simply put... made him a trailblazer. Leading others who contemplated this and a political career in Brazoria County to seek his advice until the very end. Your Sheriff was reelected to five subsequent terms totaling twenty-four years. During his time as Sheriff, Brazoria County grew exponentially. This growth in population, infrastructure, and industries required his department to match the pace and included an expansion in department personnel, the construction of a modernized administrative hub and yes, a larger detention center. While Dad was Sheriff he served on numerous boards, supported many organizations, and received several awards for his leadership. Of these he most enjoyed the work he did with BACH, where those who did not see him with his children came to learn how much Dad loved children. He was all about business until there was a child around. His blue eyes lit up, he would crouch down to not be so imposing and laugh out loud with them. Similar humility was shown anytime an award was given. Dad genuinely felt that any accolades he received were simply the product of the good people he worked with.

For whatever reason he felt it was time for him to retire in 2004, but not for long. It was no surprise to his family that in 2006 he chose to serve his County once more, running for and becoming the County Judge. Brazoria County's growth had not waned and now he was in the role of CEO. In an unprecedent time of growth, the individual can often be overlooked. Joe King would be proud to tell you that he represented every person in his county. He was never too busy to listen and consider the implications of the Court's decisions on the individual citizen.

It was during these years the Sheriff's family grew to include his four favorite people. Who made his retirement the second time much easier. Kail, Trey, Wade, Ethan, and Yami (Jackie) were glad to have him home. Home but never sitting still. Joe's ranching hobby turned into his way of life. He traded in his suit and tie for jeans and Magellan shirts, the Court Room for the Camp House and some would say the humans for the cows. On Sunday, you would always find him in church with Yami, but any other day he was on a tractor, mending fence, chewing the fat with friends and teaching HIS boys unique and priceless lessons.

We have ALL been privileged and blessed to have him as long as we did. Our family knew he was ours, but ours to share. My brother and I knew he was bigger than that, but we were always confident of our place in his life. He was a devout Catholic, a devoted Father and loving Husband, who loved his Country, his State and his Nation.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Angleton. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church or to the Brazoria County Peace Officers Association.

Daddy, I am confident and at peace in knowing you are with your Lord and loved ones. You fought so hard for us, but we knew it was time to let you go. We will be fine, we will take care of Yami, and make sure your boys continue to grow into the fine young men you put them on the path to be.

Love you! Sheri, E.J, Bubba and Lauren