of Benton, AR
October 16, 1946 - February 17, 2026
Olan Von King, affectionately know as Big O, 79, of Benton, Arkansas passed away February 17, 2026 at Baptist Hospital after an 8 month battle with AML surrounded by his family and friends as he ran into the arms of Jesus and heard the words ''well done my good and faithful servant.''
Olan was born October 16, 1946, to the late Leamon and Hettie Kelley King in Malvern, Arkansas. He graduated from Bryant , Arkansas in 1964 where he played football and ran track. He attended UALR. He enlisted and served in the Army National Guard as a medic from 9/5/1965 to 9/7/1971. He worked for Reynolds underground mines before attending UALR and then began his employment of 41 years with Alcoa. He retired in 2010 as a Water Treatment
Technician. He and his twin brother Rolan (also his best friend) retired at the same time and enjoyed attending cow sales, riding four wheelers, playing golf, sitting in their shops and just enjoying the great outdoors and playing games.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Billy King, Bobby King, Waymon King, Norman King and a sister Bonita Schmidt.
Olan is survived by his wife of 54 years Kathy Tedford King; his son Kevin and wife Amanda of Rogers, a daughter Kristi Ward of Benton, a grandson Bryce King and granddaughter Chloe King of Rogers, a twin brother Rolan King and wife Donna of Benton, a sister Donna Whitfield
of New Mexico and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.
He accepted Jesus as his Savior as a teenager and he would tell you it was the best decision he ever made. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Benton where he served for years as the Director of the ushers and greeters. You could find him at the front door every Sunday morning welcoming people to FBC. It was one of his favorite things to do and he did it well. Numerous people have said how they looked forward to seeing him every Sunday at the door. He also served as a member of the church security team. Olan was always the first to volunteer when something needed to be done. One of the life changing moments in his life was when David James asked him to be on his team when FBC did FAITH, an outreach program where he learned how to better share the gospel. God gave Olan a boldness as he went into homes of strangers and shared what it meant to be saved, to have the assurance of an eternity in heaven. This time in Olan's life changed him from being an introvert to talking to anyone!
He loved life and like all the King boys, he was born with a competitive nature especially with Rolan. He loved softball and played church league ball for many years and made life long friends along the way. He might not remember what he did yesterday but just ask about a softball game from ages ago and he could tell you the score and recount all the plays! He loved playing cards, pinochle being his favorite game! He spent many late nights playing pinochle tournaments with good friends! He loved going on cruises, especially enjoying the ice cream machine on the Carnival ships. He loved traveling and was especially glad that he got to go to Israel! His grandkids were his pride and joy! Being Papa O was the best job he ever had! He spent many hours riding Bryce and Chloe on the four wheeler or his tractor.
He was kind and made friends easily. He was so loved and never realized the impact he had on others. Through his illness, he was blessed to have a strong support system of family and friends. Everyday he counted his blessings. His family was blessed to call him husband, dad,
Papa O and friend!
The family would like to to say a special thanks to Baptist Hospital 10 A nurses and staff for their compassionate care in Olan's many hospital stays and to Carti and Dr. Sasapu and his staff and to the Baptist ICU Unit 4 staff who guided us through those last hours with such compassion and care. We are grateful for each of you.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Carti Cancer Center in Little Rock.
Sign Guestbook
31 Condolence(s)
Donald Green
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Rolan, I am so sorry about Olan. I never had a problem telling the difference between you and Olan. You were both great athlets. I know he is in a better place now. I am ready to meet him in heaven one day.
Margaret Herzfeld
Friday, February 20, 2026
So sad for your family. Such a great guy and faithful to his church. Our love to you
James and Margaret
Don Paulson
Friday, February 20, 2026
What a great example of a Christ follower you were to all who met you
Robert and Janie Taylor
Friday, February 20, 2026
We love you all so much—you are in our prayers.
Pat & Debra Roberts
Friday, February 20, 2026
To the King family:
Our hearts break at the loss of our friend Olan King. But….our Lord rejoices today because
He receives another one of his children finally coming back home to Him. And Olan will finally receive his angel wings from our Lord.
Not only was Olan King an awesome Servant for Christ, but he as a warrior & also a faithful believer who witnessed to others for the Kingdom of of God while on earth.
RIP my friend…..you may have left this earth
but you will never leave the hearts of all your family & friends!
Daniel & Jessica Perkins
Friday, February 20, 2026
Praying for you and Your Family for This Difficult Time Mrs Kathy We are So Sorry to Here This Olan will be Missed !!! I Really Enjoyed being around Him on Sunday Mornings when I was making my Rounds and Visiting !!!! Prayers for you thru this and for Peace & Comfort
Erma Bridges
Friday, February 20, 2026
Kathy I am so sorry to hear about Olen he was a true and faithful servant I will miss seeing him on Sunday morning prayers for your family
The Hamiltons- Harvey,Renny, Kim,Paul,Mark
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Dear Kathy and Family,
Our hearts are filled with a deep loss for our dear friend and brother in Christ.
We hold precious Highland Heights memories with your family. May our Lord fill you with His peace and strength today and in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy, The Hamiltons
Rosemary Dopierala Wall
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy, I loved seeing the video you made. I see you all having so many wonderful memories together. My prayers are with you and I know that friends and family will be there with you. Love you much. ❤️❤️❤️
Tracy Samples
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy I am so sorry to hear about Olan. I am praying for you and your family he was a good man and will be missed. Love you, Tracy
Darin & Renee Campbell
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Our hearts are just breaking for you all. We know the pain you are going through. Olan was a MIGHTY MAN who we remember so fondly. We hold such precious memories of our time at Highland. Please know you all are in our hearts and prayers daily.
Love always,
Darin & Renee Campbell and Family
Judy Brown
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain you are in and I also know the peace. God gives at times like this. You and your family are in my prayers
Paula Taylor Parish
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Olan’s passing! He was a good man as I remember him. May God grant you and your family peace and comfort in the days ahead! With love,
Paula (Taylor) Parish
Linda Yarberry Bragg
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy,
I am so sorry to see this. Prayers for you and the family.
Linda and David Bragg
Rick, Jan and Grey Tedford
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Many many happy memories! What a good man. We love him and will always remember him.
Teresa
Thursday, February 19, 2026
We have already missed Olan’s presence at FBC-Benton because of his illness. Our hearts are sad that we no longer will get to be greeted by his smiling face every Sunday, but rejoice in knowing he is in the presence of his Lord and master. Thank you Kathy for sharing the love of your life with so many others. God bless your family in the days ahead.
Voncille Davis
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy, my heart goes out to you, understanding your loss. Olan was always kind and had such warm smile that spontaneously made me smile when I’d see him. You, Kevin and Family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love in Christ, Voncille
Harvey and Kathy Brewer
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy, Harvey and I are heartbroken by
Olan’s passing. He and Harvey were such good friends for many years. Harvey said that each time they talked through the years, it was as if no time had passed. He will be missed.
Our prayer is for peace and comfort for you and your family during the difficult days ahead.
Love,
Harvey and Kathy
Audrey Stout
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy, I am so sorry for such a great loss to you and your family. May you be embraced by God’s love, presence, peace, and strength each day.
Psalm 34:18,” God is near the broken-hearted…”
Monty & Carla Parsons
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Kathy we are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Kristin Caudle
Thursday, February 19, 2026
What an amazing man Olan was. He loved Jesus and everyone around him. So sorry for your loss but what a day it was for him to see Jesus face to face!
Pam Ganley
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Sorry for your loss! Hang on to the memories
Lynn Redmonson
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
All my heart goes to the King.
Becky & Terry Looney
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Kathy, We’re praying for you and your family. We love you.
Fran Nichols
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Praying for your peace and comfort my friend. We will miss his smile and greeting every Sunday. And his grilled dogs and burgers. 😃 He was an awesome servant for God’s children.
Karla Neathery
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Kathy,
I am so very sorry. I am just heartbroken for you and your family.
Olan was such a wonderful man! I have so many great childhood memories of him. Praying for you, Kevin and your entire family. We love you!
Love,
Scott and Karla Neathery
Buddy and Debbie Payton
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Janis Creasey
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Kathy & Family,
I’m very sorry to hear of Olan’s passing. Many hugs and prayers.
Janis (Wisinger) Creasey
David and Judi Jenkins
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Love and prayers for Olan’s family.
Paula Robertson
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
I love you Kathy! Praying for you!
Lisa & Glen Kordsmeier
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Kathy: I am so glad that we ran into each other recently and I got to reminisce with you and Olin. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Glen sends his love and condolences. God bless🙏