Obituary for Darwin King

Darwin Wayne King, of Safford, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, at the age of 55. Darwin was born on Nov. 25, 1965 in Morenci, Arizona, to Norma Jean King and Darwin Hayes King, joining sisters Sandra and Jolene.

He attended Morenci High School and soon began working in the Morenci mine as a heavy equipment operator.  He met Yvonne “Bonnie” Lopez and they made their home in Safford, blending their children; Elisha Heathman, Jeremiah Provencio, Aric Lopez, Lacee Quintero, Ashley Wood, and Darwin James King.

Darwin Wayne King

Darwin was bigger than life. He was a hard working man, very resilient and tons of fun. He enjoyed going to Disneyland, loved anything to do with cars and trucks, going camping and fishing. Darwin would prepare for his twice a year Disneyland adventures by “power walking”  throughout town,  sporting his neon colored shirts. And I mean N-E-O-N!  He enjoyed trading in cars every six months, had a tactless sense of humor, was very giving, very lovable, was a loyal friend and very, very funny. One would often hear him saying “they don’t know me”  or  “may as well”. A good time was to be had by all when Darwin was included.

He is survived by his life long partner, Bonnie Lopez, and his children; Elisha Heathman, Aric Lopez, Jeremiah Provencio, Lacee (Tommy Jr.) Quintero, Ashley Wood (Greg Wood), and Darwin James King. He is also survived by his parents, Norma Jean King and Darwin Hayes King, and his sisters, Sandra and Jolene King; 10 grandchildren and his three beloved pets.

Darwin is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jimmie and Rita King.

Contributions can be made to the NRA in Darwin Wayne King’s honor. 

 A visitation will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 9 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10 a.m. at the McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held  at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church immediately following the Rosary.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellchapel.com