Christopher Owen King

Christopher Owen King, age 40, passed away peacefully in his home on February 17, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Chris was born December 31, 1983, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Denise (Collins) King and Gary King.  Most of his life he and his family resided in Urbandale, Iowa.  He built numerous long-long friendships within this community and continued to reside within Urbandale to raise his beautiful children, Asa and Elouise, with his wife Kristy.

Chris had many personal and professional interests and hobbies throughout his life.  After graduating from Urbandale High School in 2002, he continued his education at the Art Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.  Chris also obtained a certification in architectural millwork from DMACC and loved to complete many woodworking projects as a hobby and also professionally, working within the painting and carpentry industries.  Before being diagnosed with cancer, he was a proud stay-at-home Dad to his children.

Some of his other most cherished interests and hobbies include camping, frequenting concerts and music festivals, hosting annual 4th of July gatherings at his home, and being an avid Hawkeye and Jets fan.  But his favorite passion was hot air ballooning, which was shared with his family and friends since he was a baby.  Chris’ most proud achievement was when he became a licensed hot air balloon pilot, and he was able to continue to share this love of hot air ballooning with his children, his wife, family, and friends.  On Chris and Kristy’s first date, Chris took Kristy to the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, which was his favorite ballooning event next to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

Chris was best known for his outgoing, optimistic, fun-loving personality.  He was a loyal friend to many and loved to help friends and others whenever they needed.  His courageous, loving spirit will be truly missed by all who knew him.  He loved making memories with his family and friends and lived a full life in the cherished time he was alive.

In lieu of flowers, Chris would have wanted any donations directed towards a college fund for his children.

Chris’ family and friends wanted to say a special thanks to the Unity Point Hospice team that assisted with helping him pass away with comfort and dignity in his home.

Chris was preceded in death by his father Gary, his mother Denise, his Aunt Cynthia (Bierman) and his Uncle Wayne (King).

Chris is survived by his wife, Kristy (Kilpatrick) King, his children Asa (9) and Elouise (5), his brother Mitchell King, his aunt Dory (Ross) Johnson, his aunt Diana (Mark) Bourret, aunt-in-law Callie Bierman, aunt-in-law Karla King, aunt Darlene (Jim) Woltz, numerous King, Bourret and Johnson cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his wife Kristy’s family, which he adored as well.

A visitation for Chris will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale with a funeral ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm. Online condolences for the family can be made at caldwellparrish.com.

A celebration of life will be held for Chris at a later date.

A link for Christopher's live streamed service: https://vimeo.com/915589358