With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Hank King. A dedicated member of the American Airlines family, Hank spent 28 years serving our airline in various roles before retiring as an Aviation Maintenance Technician Crew Chief in 1997.
Hank’s passion for work and commitment to our union were evident throughout his career. He was a respected leader and a true advocate for our members, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer guidance when needed.
Tech Crew Chief Don Ramhorst and AMT Kurt King are both sons of Hank and are currently working with us at Local 514 in Tulsa.
We extend our deepest condolences to Hank’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Brother King. Your memory will never be forgotten.
Hank’s Obituary
Henry Clay “Hank” King, Jr. entered his heavenly home on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home. He was 83 years old. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.
A funeral service celebrating Hank’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at the Jim Groesbeck Memorial Chapel at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service with his friend, Pastor Pam Hanes, officiating. Hank will be laid to rest at Woodland Memorial Park in Sand Springs, with military honors performed by the United States Army. Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, July 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hank was born on November 8, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Henry Clay King and Nadine Marion (Lindsey) King. He was raised in Tulsa and moved to Sand Springs in his mid to late teen years. Hank spent much of his youth pedaling his bike to his granddad’s dairy farm west of town. He played football as a wide receiver in his younger years and was known for being ornery—a spirited trait that never quite left him.
Hank proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Cuban Conflict. After returning from military service, he worked as a welder for National Tank before beginning a long and successful career at American Airlines. He started there as a mechanic and later advanced to supervisor, retiring after 31 years of dedicated service.
On August 16, 1961, Hank married Dena Everett, and together they raised three sons: Daniel, Kurt, and Matthew. Dena passed away in 1998. Many years later, Hank found love again and married Connie (Pearce) Ramhorst on September 17, 2002, in Reno, Nevada. The couple made their home in Collinsville and shared a passion for horseback riding, traveling to places like New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming. Hank and Connie also enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors with their horses.
Hank was a man of many interests. He became a licensed private pilot and loved flying small planes. He also enjoyed hunting—especially pheasant, duck, and deer. Always particular about his yard, Hank worried about grass growth and took great pride in mowing. When his children were younger, he grew a vegetable garden. He was a three-time champion of the Walnut Creek Chili Cookoff, winning the event three years in a row.
A proud member of the Oklahoma Fox Trotters Association and the Green Country Fox Trotters Association, Hank enjoyed the fellowship of fellow horse lovers. Though non-denominational in faith, he felt closest to God when riding horses and witnessing the beauty of the natural world.
Hank was known for being stubborn and strong-willed but also caring and determined. Once he set his mind to something, he was all in—no halfway measures.
He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Dena King; his son, Matthew King; his parents; and his brother, Alan King.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Connie King of the home; his children: Daniel “Danny” King and wife, Carol of Neosho, Missouri, Kurt King and wife, Angie of Grove, and Don Ramhorst and wife, Tammy of Owasso. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tara King, Erin King, Ben King, and Taylor Ramhorst; great-grandchildren: Chris, Josh, and Treasure; and his sister, Barbara Bond and husband, John of Glenpool.
Hank lived a full and vibrant life, filled with family, friendship, adventure, and hard work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.