ROBIN EARL KING (SR.)
April 14, 1952–Oct. 10, 2024
In the early morning hours of Oct. 10, 2024, Robin Earl King passed away peacefully in his sleep after a four-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.
Robin was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, April 14, 1952. He was 72 years old at his passing. His loving parents were Ivan Earl King and Norma Luella Degner King. Robin was the youngest of five children, coming 14 years after the next youngest. He was adored and spoiled by all his siblings who had the privilege of naming him. Lorna, Loren, Larry and Lyle decided to name him Robin, presumably because of spring and the robins returning to nest, but Robin petulantly complained that he wanted to be an “L”, too.
At the age of 3, Robin and his family moved to Newcastle, Wyoming. He graduated from Newcastle High School in 1971 and worked odd jobs for a year, looking for just the right thing. His cousin, Wayne Vickers, had just the idea — they would join the army and see the world! On Feb. 23, 1972, Robin enlisted in the U.S. Army, eventually joining the 93rd Engineer Company as a Bridgeman and serving his entire tour of duty in Nellingen, Germany, until honorably discharged Feb. 13, 1975.
Big brother Larry met Robin’s flight from Nellingen in Billings, Montana, and put him right to work driving truck for his Worland-based company in Wyoming. Thus began Robin’s love affair with trucking that led to 45-plus years as owner/operator of his own trucking operation in Newcastle, Robin King Trucking.
As much as Robin loved driving truck for a living, his passion for power and speed could only be fed in driving his beloved muscle car, a 1971 Chevy Nova souped up with an LT-1 engine, well known for cruising the main streets of Newcastle in his single days. He liked to brag at all the car shows that he’d had the Nova longer than he’d had his wife!
At the age of 35, he met the love of his life, Peggy Murray King. They courted a mere five months before tying the knot on Dec. 31, 1986. Together they raised Peggy’s son, Thomas T. King, III. Eleven years later, Robin E. King Jr. was born and completed their family. Robin influenced Thomas’ entry to the trucking field. Robin Jr. shares his father’s passion for speed and power as a champion moto-crosser when he’s off the clock from his work as foreman for Summit Plumbing in Newcastle.
Robin King was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and is a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newcastle. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lorna; and brothers Lyle and Loren.
Robin is survived by his wife, Peggy; sons, Thomas and Robin Jr.; as well as brother Larry King (Janette). Also surviving are his granddaughter, Brynleigh King; grandson, Chance King; nieces, Kathy King, Carolyn Marcus, and Audra Dudzinski; and nephews, Keith, Randy, and Daryll Chapman, Wesley and Karl Paschall, Kenny King, Russel King, and Burl King.
Services for Robin will be conducted by the Rev. Ronald Sample at Christ the King Lutheran Church at 224 West Road, Newcastle, WY 82701 on Friday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. Immediately following the services, Robin’s family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at the home of Burl King, where there will be a potluck meal at 23355 U.S. Highway 85 N., Newcastle, Wyoming. Interment will take place with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery on Oct. 21 at 3 p.m.