Michael Jon King

MICHAEL JON KING (born George Albert King before legally changing his name in 1976) passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by the prayers and love of Rev. Katrina Dorow and Michael Van Dalsem. The family wishes to thank all those who shared their hearts with Michael in his final days. We were touched by the letters, songs, prayers, and heartfelt conversations that helped Michael through his transition.

A Journey of Creativity and Service

Born November 27, 1939 in Kingman, Kansas, Michael was the son of Francis Fredrick and Ruby King. At the age of 13, he moved in with his beloved grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa McNabb, who accepted and encouraged him to follow his heart and love of art. His extraordinary artistic talent shone early, winning a prestigious national Gold Key Award in 1955, which featured his work at the Carnegie Institute and launched his lifelong passion as an artist. Michael graduated in 1957 from Hot Springs High School in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Following high school, Michael attended New Mexico Western College, earning a Bachelor of Art degree in 1961. During his college years, 12 of his art pieces were featured in the New Mexico Art Museum, including international and traveling exhibitions, and he taught art to both undergraduate and graduate students.

After college, Michael entered the United States Air Force, serving as a Captain during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1973. After Michael’s military service, he moved to Hawaii, where he worked as a fashion textile designer and showcased his work in local galleries.

A Legacy of Healing and Community

In 1975, Michael moved to Denver, Colorado, where he channeled his creativity and passion into healing as an Art Therapist for a residential treatment center for asthmatic children. He was also deeply passionate about the spiritual revelations of The Urantia Book, proudly graduating from the Boulder School for Students of the The Urantia Book on June 21, 1984.

A Urantia Celebration of Life honors physical passing as a joyous transition. Based on The Urania Book, death is simply the next step in an eternal adventure of spiritual progression across the mansion worlds. With gratitude, we celebrate the mortal journey and excitement for Michael Jon King’s new cosmic journey. The family extends gratitude and warmest regards to his closest and long time Urantia friends, Jim and Barbara Lee.

At the age of 70, Michael courageously and proudly came out as a gay man through The Center on Colfax. His artistic career experienced a beautiful renaissance in retirement through The Center’s Open Art Studio. His vibrant work was featured in the Denver Art Museum’s Queer Creativity Through the Ages exhibit, as well as the annual holiday art shows at the Center. Michael touched countless hearts through his warmth, wit, and boundless creativity.

Family and Loved Ones

Michael was married and divorced twice. First to the late Elizabeth Ann Adams and later to Carol Colman. During those marriages he fathered four children: Yahana Garrett, Lizana Pierce, George Fredrick Michael (deceased), and Katrina Dorow. He later became a grandfather and great grandfather before coming out. Since then Michael loved and was loved by Merlyn Blanchard (deceased) and Tom Schasane.

Michael is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his partner, Tom Schasane; and his daughters, Yahana Garrett, Lizana Pierce, and Katrina Dorow. His legacy lives on through his five grandchildren: Mariah Reynolds, Aaron Hartnett, Michael Ray Brandon Pierce, Alexxa Dorow, and Makayla Dorow; and his five great-grandchildren: Mikey "Doc" Hartnett, Jolene Hartnett, Amelia Hartnett, Elvis Hartnett, and Kent Reynolds.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Michael's dear friend Michael Van Dalsem, for all the years of friendship and support. Thank you, also, to Reverend Mary Jo Honiotes for agreeing to officiate the Celebration of Life, her spiritual guidance, and her friendship with Michael over the years. We also extend deep gratitude to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care during Michael's final days. Thank you to Denver Metro Village, Prime Timers, and The Center on Colfax for years of community support and friendship with our beloved father.

The wisdom and love Michael shared will continue to guide his family and friends forever.

Celebration of Life

A Urantia Celebration of Life and Art Reception will be held on July 24, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM MST at The Center on Colfax (1301 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218). Michael’s original artwork will be on display and available for purchase during the service.

Michael's cremated remains will reside at the Fort Logan National Cemetery, a U.S. military cemetery for veterans.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Michael’s memory to The Center on Colfax.

You may also share your tributes, life stories, and memento images of Michael Jon King on the Veterans Legacy Memorial page at calm.cem.va.gov/ MICHAELJONKING/aca6d8