Patricia Mary Fone King, born in Colon, Panama, passed away December 27, 2025, at the age of 92.  A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Pat was born 03/03/1933, at 3:30 in the morning and was the third child born to Les and Becky Fone. She was 33 when she was pregnant with her third child, but she always said 7 was her lucky number. Because of her father’s travels for work, she experienced the wonders of living in Venezuela, Arizona, Iowa, and Mexico City, where she learned fluent Spanish, before finally landing in Texas. As a teenager, she developed a strong work ethic and lasting friendships. After graduating from Brownsville High School May 28, 1951, she spent two years in Junior College in preparation for completing her degree at The University of North Texas. This afforded her the opportunity to lay the foundation for a career helping others as an Occupational Therapist. Pat dedicated her life to public service, working tirelessly to provide employment opportunities to those who could not work in other settings. Pat served as the President of the Texas Association of Occupational Therapy from 1964-1966. In 1970, the Texas Association of Occupational Therapists named her Occupational Therapist of the Year for her work with the Easter Seal Society.  

She was a valued leader at Goodwill and Easter Seal Society before launching an innovative industry solely committed to helping individuals with disabilities. In 1980, after locating an abandoned school in Fort Worth, she rented the building for $1.00 a year from the city of Fort Worth and refurbished the facility. She developed a non-profit focused on procuring job contracts that provided paid wages for men and women who would otherwise have difficulties obtaining traditional employment. Expanco was born, and Pat committed her entire career to this organization before retiring 40 years later but staying within the organization as a member of the board.  

It was in Brownsville, Texas, while attending high school, that she met the love of her life, Fred “Jake” King. Pat rebuffed marriage for a couple of years while Fred served in the United States Navy. Upon his return from deployment, Pat relented and agreed to marry Fred on March 23, 1957. They were married one month shy of 59 years before Fred’s passing in 2016; many of those years spent in Hurst, Texas, raising their three children, Fred, Jr., Leslie and Becky. 

Beyond her professional and family life, Pat pursued her interests with enthusiasm and grace. She and Fred became charter members of the Hurst Citizen’s Fire Alumni Association and seldom missed a Tuesday night meeting with the Hurst Parks Board. Pat and Fred also made sure to stay on top of the Hurst City Council and would regularly attend meetings. Perhaps their most treasured community involvement was St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Hurst.  While Fred served as a trustee, Pat sang in the church choir, led the Oldtimers group, was a very active part of her Sunday school class and looked forward to helping organize the yearly garage sale.  

Pat was a long time card player who valued both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie it fostered. Bridge and poker were her favorites.  They both loved dancing, laughing and cheering on the Cowboys. Fortunately, Pat and Fred were able to spend many days traveling the world. They loved taking cruises, as long as there was a casino on board.  

For all of her success and accomplishments, the one thing Pat took the most pride in is her grandchildren.  She and Fred attended local school activities and sporting events for Madison and Morgan. Frequent trips were made to Austin to support Jacob, Spencer, and Mitchell in all of their academic and athletic endeavors. In November 2024, Pat said all she wanted to do was vote for Kamala Harris and see her first great grandchild born. As in most of her endeavors, she succeeded in reaching those goals.  

Through her years of service, steadfast leadership and genuine care for people, we are certain there are countless lives she positively impacted.  

Pat is survived by her son, Fredrick King and his husband Eric Speck, Leslie Gray and her husband Rick and Becky Stubblefield and her husband Brad, his sister Patty Axe, five grandchildren, Jacob (Katie), Spencer (Stephanie), Mitchell Smith, Madison (Mary Elizabeth), Morgan Stubblefield, and great-grandchild Lochlan Smith plus many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.