Dempsey Neal King

March 23, 1936 – March 30, 2025

Dempsey Neal King, born on March 23, 1936, in Judsonia, Ark., passed away on March 30, 2025. Dempsey, an ambitious and resilient man, was known for his love of family and his reliable nature.

Despite moving frequently as a child due to his parents’ work as sharecroppers, Dempsey found a home in Arcadia, where he resided until his passing. On November 16, 1956, Dempsey married Frances Horton and they shared 62 years together before Frances’ passing in 2019.

Dempsey dedicated many years to the tree removal business, retiring as Superintendent from Townsend Tree Service in the year 2000. His hard work and dedication were revered by those who knew him in his professional life. Outside of work, Dempsey was an avid CB radio enthusiast and a proud member of the CB Club. Furthermore, he was a member of the Civil Service Club, reflecting his community involvement. As a lover of the outdoors, he often spent his free time hunting and golfing. His younger years were filled with memories of tending to a large garden, demonstrating his nurturing side. Still, what mattered most to Dempsey was his family. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dempsey is survived by his sons, Mike (Susan) King, Tom King, and Jim (Tena) King; his grandchildren, DJ (Jennifer) Thompson, Kyle (Courtney) Thompson, Candice (Steve) King, and Cody (Ashley) King, as well as 11 great-grandchildren; and his half-brother Bill (Linda) Robbins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances King; father, Thomas Robbins; his mother, Opal Wilson; his brothers, James and Ray King; his daughter, Kathy Thompson, and granddaughter, Megan Lane.

Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Hartley Funeral Homes, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the same location. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at my.gather.app/remember/dempsey-king.

We encourage all who knew and loved Dempsey to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. These shared moments will provide comfort and serve as a lasting tribute to Dempsey’s loving and resilient spirit.

Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com