Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff King,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Douglas County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish t extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 21, 2024

Ronnie, Twenty four years ago you were violently taken from me, your family, your friends and your co-workers at the Sheriff's Office. Our lives have criss-crossed fifty-one years now. I miss you every day.

Deb Sunshine Richards
Friend, APS Investigator

May 21, 2023

It's been 23 years now. People say with time it hurts less. I think they must have never lost someone they loved or they wouldn't have said such a lie. I remember when we went fishing at Enders and I got a sandbur in my foot. You swept me up and carried me back to the car and got it out. That was the same kindness you took to your work at Douglas County Sheriff's Department. I wish you could have met V. Ronin. He thought about law enforcement but I said no, I wouldn't even let him learn to ride a motorcycle. He's chosen the Air Force Guard for service. I loved that you started the D.A.R.E. program at Douglas County, your love of the kids and youth of every area where you visited, lived and served and your dedication to the community you served. Forever yours, Sunshine

Deb Richards
Friend since 1972, APS Certified Investigator

June 1, 2022

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 12, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff King.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2021

Ronnie,
You gave such honor to being a LEO. You gave it your all. You gave your life.

I still miss you, not just today, every day. May is the worst It is when I always looked forward to seeing you the most, on a day when the sun would shine and you would say it was such a pretty day. And now each time another officer dies in the line of duty, I know how hard it will be for those who loved and cared for them. Rest now, my Dear Friend.

Sunshine

May 21, 2020

Hey, It's 20 years now since we last talked. We were going to change the world once. In a way you did, you touched lives for the better. Your Brothers and Sisters at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office were better to have known you, the D.A.R.E. kids better to have had met you and anyone who met you had to have left with a smile. You are in my heart every day and I miss you so much.

Sunshine

May 16, 2019

I was driving the van in front of Deputy King and saw the whole accident in my rear view mirror. I have relived seeing the accident over and over in my mind through the years. It haunts me to this day. I know that Sheriff Washburn was able to return to duty.
They actually were on duty at my daughter’s school that day. It was after the shooting at Columbine and there were extra patrol officers assigned to the schools then. They left the school and were behind me as I drove by on Wildcat. I was on my way to the Springs. I wish only good thoughts to your family and to the Washburn’s and I thank you for their service.
I felt so helpless that night and I continue to grieve.

Gerard Lane
No relationship but forever linked.

May 11, 2019

Dad,
We are coming up on your EOW. The day you were taken from us. I think about all the things you've missed and all the moments I wish I could share with you. You are missed every day. Remembered every day. I love you so very much and know you are watching over all of us. You would be very proud of your Brothers/Sisters in Blue, I know I am. I love you and miss you!

Kimberly
Daughter

May 9, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 30, 2018

Every time I leave the Douglas County Courthouse I visit you at the memorial. Every time I visit, I pray that no other names will be added under yours. This week we lost another Douglas County Deputy and his name will be added under your name. Such a sad thing. I know you met him in heaven and are befriending him as you did with me here on Earth. Watch over Deputy Parrish. Think of you always, Ron and will see you soon.... But not just yet.

Thomas Nellessen
Personal friend

January 6, 2018

Missing you every day, praying for strength every day. In June, I stood with the Lancaster County Deputies and Officers while Independence, KS, Police Officer Tom Wagstaff, who was shot in the head while on the job in March, was being moved from a rehabilitation facility to a different care center. He made so much progress while at Madonna he was able to be moved. It was an honor to see him go by with a full escort, not in an ambulance but in a SUV. How I wished you had such an opportunity! Love, Sunshine

Michael Strudl
Friend

July 9, 2017

So my 67 Camaro is almost complete, I know you had a Firebird (one day I'll get Rick to give me his). I think of you everyday. I see you in my son and Patsy says I am just like grandpa. I guess that means cartoons and sugar for breakfast. I think for the New Year we will go bowling, your favorite:). Miss you every day.

AJ
Child

November 24, 2016

Ronnie, It's another year without you here. It is another year you are missed. I understand now why this is especially hard on your mom, yesterday was her birthday. She won't talk to your girls about you, it is still too hard for her. It is the same for your brother and sister, they all miss you so much. The folks who knew you when you were with the Colorado State Patrol, with the police department and when you were with the the Douglas County Sheriff's Department could write stories about the kind of man you were and give them to your girls at the next Ron King Blue Thunder Memorial ride in August. Your charity does a lot of good. Rest in peace my beloved friend. Sunshine

Deb Richards

May 21, 2016

We never met, but I feel as though I know you. I'm Kim's husband and reading all these reflections and hearing stories about you from Kim and Mandy makes me smile knowing they had a great father, yet it makes me sad that your sons-in-law and grandchildren won't experience how amazing you were. However, you are still present in them. They say our son has your look and your humor, our daughter your compassion. We have a picture of you that Hannah always points to and says "Grandpa". We will continue to raise our children knowing you and how many lives you positively impacted during your short time here.

Jared Humeny
Son-in-law

April 11, 2016

Deputy King taught my academy class. I've never been great at math. So the long division in Traffic accident reports was tough. Deputy King made sure I understood it well enough to pass the test.

Charles Stock

February 12, 2016

Happy Birthday in Heaven. It has been an eventful year. I have met two fine young ladies, Kim and Amanda King, one in person the other through social media. You have beautiful daughters and they have wonderful husbands. You also have three adorable grandchildren. I attended the Ron King Blue Thunder Memorial Ride in August. I didn't ride this year but so many wonderful people were there to raise money for your charitable organization. I took my kids to Rangely and looked up your old year books and news paper articles-that 880 was your track event! I stopped to see your headstone and have a chat with you in Yuma. I left an ornament on your tree. I think about you every day, I miss knowing you are a phone call away. Rest well my beloved friend.

Deb Richards
Friend

December 17, 2015

Could not get you off my mind all day yesterday and today! Love you Ron! Thank you for always being an important part of my life!

Laura.douglass
Childhood Friend

May 23, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 21, 2015

Another year has passed making it 16 years since you died. I just wanted you to know you are still remembered and missed, not just today but every day. I bought a motorcycle this year, the first time years. I wish you were here to answer all my questions. I know you'd have the answers.

Deb Richards
Friend

May 21, 2015

It has been 15 years… I find myself reflecting on small things this year. Like how we always got you M&M’s and your favorite movie was Black Beards Ghost. I plan on having a Star Trek marathon to remember the Sci-Fi shows you enjoyed so much. I find myself forgetting how you laughed, what your smile looked like and what you liked to do. I remember playing boom ball in the house, your sun tea, and the fact that the only thing you really knew how to cook was pasta. We all miss you so much, you died in such a pointless way. I am naming my son after you and hope he will bring the same joy and happiness to his loved ones as you did.

Amanda Smith
Daughter

May 22, 2014

Well, Ron, it is nearing the 15 year mark since you left us. You gave the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the safety of others. I think of you every day. I miss knowing you aren't a phone call away. I wonder if you shared your stories of being a summer time farmer in Benkelman when you were a teenager. Or how you helped out at mom's daycare on the days it rained and you weren't in the fields. I know why you loved kids so much, you were a natural! The day you and John taught me to shoot cans with John's new gun and it wasn't butted against my shoulder. You warned me and I landed on my hiney. I didn't choose law enforcement but went into Child Protective Services. You helped me find runaways in Colorado. You forgave me for being a jerk when I needed that forgiveness. I miss you my friend.

Deb Sunshine Richards
Friend

May 6, 2014

Ron,
Thinking of you today and remembering all of the off duty jobs we worked. I was "only" a reserve Deputy then but you always treated me with fairness and respect. Prayers that your family is well. We miss you.

Formerly DCSO
Anchorage Police Department

April 14, 2014

You have been on my mind today . . . not sure why so much today but there you are, lol!!! I miss you my friend. Love you and your family so very much!!! I know I'll see you again someday!!!

Laura Barnhart Douglass

Laura Barnhart Douglass

January 17, 2014

Dad… this coming year is going to be a big one. Kim is getting married and your second grandchild is on the way.

As always I think about you every day. The other night we were playing some board games and I reflect on what a poor loser you were, and because of this, how often you would cheat at games.

I miss your bear hugs, the laughs we shared, the sound of your voice, and I miss your un-judgmental support and optimistic point of view.

mandy Smith
Daughter

January 14, 2014