Janice Lee Fritts King

Janice Lee Fitts King was born April 4, 1943 in Brownwood, Texas to parents Ogden Lee and Ruby June (Godfrey) Fritts. She grew up in the area and graduated from Comanche High School in 1961. On August 4, 1962, Janice was united in marriage to Gary Don King, her high school sweetheart.

Following their marriage, they made their home in Nocona, Texas, where they remained for many years. They put down roots in the area and their days quickly became filled with church and community events. Janice was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and later grandmother. She was a talented seamstress and made clothing, quilts, and other items for her home.

Janice often said, “pretty is as pretty does”, and she exemplified it perfectly. On the outside, her home and her physical appearance were always neat, orderly, and beautiful. On the inside, she was a devout Christian who did her best to live out her moral values. She was a truly lovely woman, inside and out.

Janice was a huge supporter of her husband in his many endeavors. She worked alongside him on their ranch, and also helped as he completed his labor of love: founding the Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum in Nocona, capturing the local history and heritage. Janice was very engaged as a parent and was always involved in softball, 4H, church groups, and anywhere else her children needed her.

Janice and Gary Don were a team and did everything together. They shared a passionate love of travel and loved seeing the world together, taking trips to Hawaii and cruises to Alaska. They treated each grandchild with a cruise or a trip to celebrate high school graduation. Another highlight of their travel careers was a bible-based tour of Israel. Seeing the historical sites of the bible made a special impression on their hearts.

Although Janice and Gary Don cherished the life they had enjoyed together in Nocona, they made the decision to relocate to Hempstead in 2015, to be closer to their children. They were members of the nearby Highway 290 Church of Christ in Brenham. They enjoyed getting to know their new neighbors and fellow church members.

Janice and Gary Don enjoyed a full and wonderful life together, and left a far-reaching positive impact in the world. Tragically, their lives were cut short on October 18, 2020, as the result of an automobile accident. Both were 77 years old.

Gary Don and Janice were preceded in death by their parents, and daughter Cynthia Ann King. Survivors include Donna Sue Fritts of Comanche, Jeffrey King and wife Tawnya of Hempstead, Rebecca Hellinger and husband Eric of Leander; and five grandchildren including Bailey Buxkemper who they raised; and six great grandchildren.

The following will be jointly-held services for Gary Don and Janice: Saturday, October 24, 2020, visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. Officiating is family friend Mike Gentry. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery in Comanche, Texas.

The Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum in Nocona was a labor of love for Gary Don and Janice, and it held a special place in their hearts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the museum to continue the legacy.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.