Woody King

Woody King lived a life filled with meaningful relationships and purpose. He welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend, often expressing heartfelt thanks for the people and experiences that shaped his journey. Whether caring for his family, working, teaching, or gathering with loved ones, Woody led and listened with his heart.

He had a remarkable way of lifting others up, sharing his knowledge in hopes of supporting their dreams. Known for his quick wit, Woody could effortlessly lighten a room. This quick wit often revealed itself in subtle sarcasm, which occasionally made it difficult to tell if he was being serious or joking and sometimes left people initially afraid of him, even maybe an in-law or two. A loving husband, proud father, devoted grandfather, and treasured friend, Woody will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

Woody’s story began November 24, 1943 – a time when the world was at war and America was defined by unity, sacrifice, and determination. Big band music from Glenn Miller and the velvet voice of Frank Sinatra offered comfort over the radio, and Oklahoma! lit up Broadway. Amid this historic backdrop, Woody was welcomed into the hearts of Woody and Harriet Jane (Johnson) King.

The second oldest of five children, Woody grew up in Wayne, Michigan. His father was artistic and put his talent to work as a sign painter. As a business owner, one of his father’s business slogans was, “It’s a good sign to see Woody.” As a boy, Woody use his intelligence and fascination for physics to build things, such as homemade bombs used to blow up tree branches. The good thing is, as he grew, he turned to using his talents for far safer activities.

Woody attended Wayne Memorial High School, where he played French horn in his high school band. The band even had the honor of being invited to play for the inauguration of President Kennedy. Unfortunately, high school leadership decided it was not a worthy investment. He remained immensely proud of his band days and stayed in touch with many of his bandmates throughout life.

After graduating from high school, Woody studied physics and math at Albion College where he graduated in 1965 with his bachelor’s degree in physics. While at school, he balanced his studies with the comradery of his fraternity brothers in Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE).

It was at Albion that Woody met his first wife. Although their relationship did not last, it did leave Woody’s life a little richer. Most importantly, it gave him his two daughters Pam and Polly. He developed his encyclopedic knowledge of wine and cocktails. It is also the time the family dog Charmin entered his life. Charmin’s life spanned across both his families, and he was by far Woody’s favorite (dog at least). Once Charmin was gone, after a broken heart, Woody vowed never to get another dog. He left that to his children, two of whom are avid dog only parents.

After college, his knack for communication and problem-solving led him to a role in sales at IBM. He quickly became a top performer and stood out for his persuasive charm, humor, and intelligence.

In time, Woody made the bold decision to leave IBM for a career in real estate. Some thought he was a bit crazy for doing so. However, the move turned out to be a perfect fit. Over his fifty-plus years as a REALTOR®, Woody became well-known for his passion for sales, outstanding negotiating skills, unwavering commitment, and pleasant personality. He enjoyed helping people achieve their goals, maybe even more than his own successes. Woody proudly served as President of the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS®, followed by President of the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. As a mentor and instructor, he was one of the most engaging teachers in the field, known for identifying talent and helping others rise to their potential. It was also through real estate that he met his wife and love of his life, Kathy.

If asked what he wanted out of life, Woody would simply say, “A happy family.” A devoted husband and father, Woody felt a deep sense of responsibility to care for his loved ones and he did so with love, humor, and tireless dedication, balancing hard work with play.

Woody was an eager conversationalist. When his kids came over to help with something, even if it was in the middle of the night, he wanted to stay up and chat with them as long as he could. He loved the fact that his family was truly blended. As adults, his children, both those he fathered and those he raised, considered him a father and each other family.

Drew and Dustin were his kids too. He worked to shape them into the fine men they have become. Along the way he did, however, find yet another place where rules were sometimes more hints than something to be strictly followed. He developed a reputation at a local restaurant for being the father who let his kids have dessert before their dinner.

Bowling was another passion for him. He enjoyed bowling in a league with his son Drew, owned multiple bowling balls for every occasion, and when his grandkids came along, they'd go out for a pancake breakfast which of course, was at the bowling alley. He bought them their balls and shoes, too. He enjoyed driving his grandkids to daycare, calling the ride the "Applesauce Express.”

Woody always enjoyed playing golf. As a young man he would go with his father and brother on golf trips. More recently, he was proud to be named the 2020 Kalamazoo Country Club Senior Champion. Throughout his life, bowling and golf were a space to build relationships and support others. Now, the group of guys he golfed or bowled with help each other through thick and thin and support each other's families when they need it most.

A curious man, Woody was always learning, devouring history books, or watching documentaries about how things were made or how things happened. A great debater, Woody firmly believed that "the person who loses an argument is the one who raises their voice first." His talents were put to great use and many are better off for it.

At home, Woody was a man of music and meaning. He loved musicals, especially Oklahoma! by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Early in his days he bought a stereo system for the formal living room. He laid on the floor listening to Barbara Streisand or Broadway soundtracks so he could feel the vibration along with hearing the music. This was a practice that continued while enjoying high quality sound systems in his car. He appreciated simple pleasures; especially on occasion, a correctly made Basil Hayden Manhattan.

Woody and Kathy were made for each other, they were the definition of true love and had an unbreakable bond. They loved to travel and after many attempts, Woody finally convinced Kathy that a cruise ship is safe. Their first voyage sparked a love for cruising including a memorable 13-day trip through Caribbean. Whatever the day brought, they experienced it together. When Kathy fell ill, Woody did exactly what his father had done for his mother, he leveled all mountains and cleared all paths. He cared for her in every way, even learning to cook and clean the house which was to the surprise (but delight) of some.

Woody's legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched. Each time we follow our dreams, encourage our loved ones' endeavors, greet the day with curiosity and gratitude, generously share our time and talents, listen to our favorite music, and gather with friends we celebrate the countless ways Woody made our world a better place. In this way, we keep his memory alive, inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Woody King of Kalamazoo, age 81, died on August 15, 2025. Woody was preceded in death by his parents Woody and Harriet Jane King, his sister, Marla Jo King, and brother, James King. He is survived by, his wife, Kathy; children: Pam King, Polly (Dan) King, Drew (Erica) Hakala, and Dustin (Jennifer) Hakala; grandchildren: Steven (Jazmyne) Bothun, Mikaela (Tess) Lee, Teagan (Gabby) Bothun, Jacob Hakala, Sarah Hakala, and Nick Hakala; 3 great-grandkids; siblings: Robert Eugene (Eveline) King and Lou Ann (David) Smelser; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, August 23, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center, where food, drink, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Woody's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.