John Byron King

June 2, 1955 - Dec. 8, 2023

John Byron King, 68, of Greybull, Wyo., passed away on Dec. 8, 2023, at Three Rivers Health.
John was born on June 2, 1955, to Clyde Jerome and Joyce Elaine (Brumback) King in Peoria, Ill. John and his older sister, Elaine King, were both raised in Illinois. He spent most of his childhood summers on his grandfather’s dairy farm in Spencer, Wis. This is where he found his love and interest in all things agricultural.
John graduated from Richwoods High School in 1973. His desire to pursue a career in agriculture led him to the University of Wyoming where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business. In his time at the University of Wyoming, John was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and lettered in basketball for the Wyoming Cowboys. His fraternity brothers welcomed him to their family ranches and exposed him to western ranching operations, including roping, branding, and calving and lambing at all hours of the day.
Upon his graduation John married his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Patsy Howe in 1979. John and Patsy moved from Laramie to Worland, Wyo., where John started the first job of his banking career at Wyoming Production Credit Association. Production Credit then assigned him to the satellite office in Greybull. John and Patsy picked up stakes and moved to the Shell Valley where they welcomed two boys, Colter and Garrett.
John continued his banking career in Greybull at First Interstate Bank and Big Horn Federal. During this time, he was selected as a member of the Kellog’s Leadership Education and Development Program which took him around the globe to build partnerships and explore opportunities for American ag producers to ship their products overseas. This program took him from Wyoming to China, the Middle East, and the floor of the U.S. Senate. While working full time as the Vice President of Big Horn Federal he attended and graduated from the National School of Banking at Fairfield University in Connecticut. John retired from banking in 2010. John then went to work at Big Horn Co-op as comptroller before his official retirement in 2020. John accomplished a great number of things throughout his remarkable career, but he constantly remarked that it was the relationships, friendships, and connections that he made throughout the Big Horn Basin and beyond that made his career worthwhile.
In addition to work, John served on the South Big Horn County Airport Board, the Greybull Economic Development Board, and the Greybull Investment Group. He was able to pass his love for basketball on to his sons, grandchildren, and many other young men though coaching and officiating. You could often find him on the sidelines keeping stats or in the stands clapping and cheering. John always enjoyed talking business and brainstorming new opportunities. In his free time, he loved to travel, often to see family in Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Illinois. In 2021, he combined his desire to travel with an opportunity to build his own business by delivering trailers across the country with Patsy riding shotgun as the co-pilot and navigator. Some knew of his “thrifty” habits, but they also knew he rarely missed an opportunity to donate a few bucks at any blackjack table with an open seat.
John was a true man of faith as a member and session member of the Greybull First Presbyterian Church. In addition to official church business, he was the landscaper, snow removal specialist, and general groundskeeper for the church. John became an ordained minister and officiated the weddings of his two sons, as well as a number of others.
Of the many titles that he carried throughout his life, the one he cherished most was that of Papa to his five amazing grandchildren. John was committed to making the most of every opportunity with his “grands;” travelling to watch basketball, baseball, and football games, reading stories, and participating in the occasional water fight.
John was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Joyce King and mother- and father-in-law Paul (Bud) and Laurie Howe. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Patsy; sister Elaine of Frederick, Colo.; son Colter (Brittnee) King of Casper; son Garrett (Lindsey) King of Phoenix, Ariz.; and the most prized people in his life, his grandchildren Logan, Beckam, Charlee, Kayden, and Wesley.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at the Greybull Middle School gymnasium. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a memorial fund established at Big Horn Federal with the proceeds used to endow a scholarship fund in his name. The King family cannot find the words to properly thank the community of Greybull, the medical services team, and friends for the outpouring of support. John always loved this community and the people that make this place great.
The King family would love to hear stories and fond memories that anyone in the community has of John. The letters received will be collected and made into a book to be shared with John’s family so they can forever remember the love, compassion, laughter, and impact he had on those around him. A PO box has been arranged to receive these letters. Please mail to: The King Family, PO Box 302, Greybull, WY 82426.