Dan E. King, 81, of Fort Collins, Colorado, died September 12, 2011 in Fort Collins, Colorado. After suffering the humiliating and devastating effects of Parkinson's disease for far too long. Dan is finally free and able to get back to all those unfinished projects in that brand new workshop - set up just like he likes it.

Born the 4th of six children in Batesville (Zavala County), Texas on July 6, 1930 to Huber and Alta Sarah (Throckmorton) King. Dan lived a full and interesting life. His father left the family when Dan was 7, and his mother was left to raise six children on her own. The family went through many trials and tribulations, moving to Winfield, Kansas when Dan was in grade school.

They owned the newspaper agency, and all the kids contributed to the family. Dan graduated from high school in 1946, having skipped two grades. He then joined the Air Force, training in Denver and being deployed to Japan. Dan trained in photo school where he developed a lifelong love for and talent in photography. He also played football; and had the misfortune (or good fortune) to break his back. After recovery with a Japanese family, he was sent home.

He began his career with JC Penney in Winfield, Kansas and married Irene Lenora Norton in 1950. Son, Kavin Triswell was born in 1951 and daughter, Andrea Leigh in 1953. They then transferred to Penney's in Greeley, Colorado where daughter, Denise Lynn was born in 1956 and Joel Edmond in 1958, completing their family. Dan left Penney's in 1956 and became a Realtor with Frank Moore of Moore Realty. In 1960 Dan went to work for John RP Wheeler, and the family moved to Fort Collins where Dan was Sales Manager for Wheeler Realty in building out South College Heights. Dan was instrumental in building the first community pool in Fort Collins South College Heights and in helping start the Little League Softball program in Fort Collins. Later in the 1960's, Dan started his own real estate company, King Realty, and then formed a partnership - Realty Brokers Exchange with Chuck Burchfield. Ronn Frank joined them in 1968, and they had a long and pleasant business partnership. They were a force in the Fort Collins real estate market until 1981 when they disbanded, and Dan joined Mel Johnson at Commercial Investment Team. In 1990 Dan began his career in the new and burgeoning cell phone industry. With the help of Ted Funk, Dan went to work for Commnet Cellular and located and built cell phone towers all along I-8O in Iowa and also in Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Texas. He worked in the cell phone industry for nine years and enjoyed it thoroughly. In 1999 he retired for a 2nd time and came home to his little ranchette west of Loveland where he so enjoyed remodeling, woodworking and being with friends and family. Then in 2006 he and LeAnn moved back to Fort Collins.

Dan is preceded in death by his mother; brothers, Berwin, David, and Bob; and sister, Lou. He is survived by LeAnn Payton, the love of his life for 34 years; Irene King, the mother of his children, Kavin Triswell King, Andrea Leigh King, Denise Lynn King Moore (Rick), and Joel Edmond King; his grandchildren, Jessica Larson and Adam Meyer (Carrie); great grandchildren, Emma Larson, Sophia Larson and Haley Meyer; sister, Delia Kennedy (Otis); sisters-in-law, Patti King and Lola King; brother-in-law, Hal Cravens; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Dan was known as "Captain Things." We will be filling a small box with things that are memories of Dan. If you wish, please bring a small memento to add to the "things" box. Dan has been cremated. Graveside memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Dan's memory to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.