Milburn Gay King

On Saturday, April 27th, Milburn "Gay" King, loving husband, father and "Pops" went to be with the Lord he loved, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family. Gay King was a devoted husband to Jennifer "Ginger" King (nee Ganus) for more than 54 years. They were the love of each other's lives. He was a doting father to Krista (Mark) Signorelli, Kory King, Kyley (Sara) King and Kara King. He adored his seven grandchildren: Bradley, Claire and Grant Signorelli, Tyler, Charlie, Cooper and Joie King. Gay's family and his faith were the cornerstones of his life. He would often say he would always be "rich" if his family lived close by. Gay was born on July 15, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, to Ambros "Riley" and Beatrice Olivia King. His siblings include Danette Lopp, Berna Dean Crouch and Sylvan "Ray" King (his twin brother). Preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Beatrice King, and his brother, Kent Randall "Randy" King, and granddaughters Betty and Lily King. Gay leaves behind a legacy characterized by commitment to family, community and service. He touched many lives as a math teacher for more than 35 years, mostly at North Middle Kirkwood Middle School. Not only was he known for his sense of humor, patience and big smile, but also for his corny jokes that everyone lovingly called "Gayisms". Gay had a giving heart and was generous with his time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and other causes. He had a great love for sports, especially basketball, which he played and coached for many years, always instilling the value of good sportsmanship. A private family service will be held prior to his Celebration of Life on Friday, May 10, 2024. All are welcome to join the family at Piazza Messina, 5535 State Highway N, Cottleville, MO 63304, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A special thanks to all who provided love, care, prayers and support during the past four months, especially Joy Chesnut (sister-in-law), Mandy Piela (NP - Oncology), Pastor Joe Bleile and St. Luke's Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Angels' Arms at www.angelsarms.org or The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis at www.dsagsl.org. Services provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives, LLC in St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends can sign a online guestbook at www.HughesFuneralAlternatives.com.

Milburn Gay King

June 15, 1945 - April 27, 2024