Tobi Jean King

Tobi Jean King, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and cousin, passed away on July 25, 2024, at age 50 in Lampasas, Texas.  She was born to the late Jackie and Elaine Owens on December 3, 1973, in Big Spring, TX.

Tobi's life was a testament to her love for family, which she cherished more than anything.  She was married to Michael King of Lampasas, Texas, and for 14 years they built a life filled with love and memories.  Tobi was a devoted mother to Maci Elaine Maldonado and her husband Wren Maldonado of Lampasas, and to her sons, Ridley Owen King and Ritter Jack King, also of Lampasas.  She was a proud grandmother, affectionately known as Tutu, to Paisley Denise Wiles, 11, and Jordon Maldonado, 12, who brought her endless joy.  

Faith and loving Jesus, our savior, were very important to Tobi.  She was baptized by her uncle, Randy Smith, in Ackerly, Texas, in the mid-1980s, and reuniting with the loved ones that had gone before her was her main priority.  She clung to the promises of heaven and loved like there was no tomorrow.  She always put family and friends before herself, although she would never reciprocate the teachings of her own words.  Her keen sense of intuition led her to be the glue of the family and even with a feisty word or rebuttal, one couldn't help but give in to that beautiful smile and contagious cackle.  Her smile and laughter radiated joy and happiness to those who were honored to know her and be loved by her.  Tobi started working at Keepsakes by Sydnas during high school and college in Lampasas.  She attended Central Texas College, where she received her LVN in nursing.  She was employed at Cedar Ridge Charter School from 2001-2004 as the school nurse and also worked at Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center and Child Protective Services from 2005-2023.  Most recently, she worked for Lampasas ISD from 2023-2024 and became caretaker of her mother, Elaine, in her last days.  

Tobi Jean is survived by her siblings, Kenneth Owens of Lampasas, and Carrie Owens Hyatt, and husband Glenn of Lampasas.  Her nieces and nephews were loved by her just like her own children: Melody Kate Owens, Sarah Beth Hall, Bailey Hyatt, and Jackie Hyatt of Lampasas.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Rodney Paul Owens.

Tobi's warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family touched everyone she met.  She will be remembered for her kindness, her infectious smile, and the joy she brought to those around her.  Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire her family and friends and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel Lampasas on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Services to celebrate Tobi's life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11 am, at Grace Fellowship Church with burial to follow at Kempner Cemetery.

Though Tobi may no longer be with us, her love and spirit will forever be in our hearts, guiding and comforting us and giving us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.