45 Years of Love: Honoring Katherine King & Supporting Wayne
Wayne and Katherine King shared a love story that began in the 8th grade. After more than 45 years of marriage, three sons, seven grandchildren, and a lifetime of inseparable memories, Wayne is now facing the heartbreaking task of moving forward alone.
A Sudden and Aggressive Battle
Just six months ago, Wayne and Katherine went to the hospital suspecting she might have COVID. Instead, doctors discovered fluid around her heart, which testing revealed contained cancerous cells. Within days, she was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer—an aggressive form that had already spread to her brain and stomach.
Katherine fought with incredible bravery. She began chemotherapy and immunotherapy immediately, and later underwent full-brain radiation. The family even sought a second opinion in Boston, hoping for more options, but were told no new treatments could begin until she regained her strength—a milestone that sadly never came.
On Friday the 13th, just hours after coming home and being made comfortable in her hospice bed, Katherine passed away peacefully at the age of 63.
Compounded Grief
The family was already navigating deep tragedy; only two years ago, their grandson and nephew, 18-year-old Wyatt King, passed away from brain cancer. Losing Katherine has reopened that profound grief and left a void for everyone who knew and loved her.
How Your Support Helps
Throughout Katherine’s illness, Wayne took on significant travel and medical costs. For months, he has relied on credit cards to cover everyday living expenses while focusing entirely on Katherine’s care. Now, the weight of accumulated debt and final arrangements has become an overwhelming burden during an already devastating time.
Wayne would never ask for help himself, which is why those closest to him are reaching out on his behalf. Our goal is to ease the financial pressure on a grieving husband so he can focus on mourning the woman he loved for nearly his entire life.
Thank You
Any gesture of kindness—whether a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this page—means the world to our family. We wish health, love, and peace to you and your loved ones, and we thank you for keeping Wayne in your thoughts!
