Donald Emorson King

In Loving Memory

"My presence shall go with you and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

Donald Emorson King, or simply Don to those who knew him, entered this world on March 28, 1967, in Azusa, California. He peacefully returned home to be with the Lord on May 4, 2025, after courageously facing the challenges of many complications from diabetes.

A true people-person, Don dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others. His warm and engaging nature drew people to him, and he thrived on conversations with anyone he met. His deep love for humanity extended to his family and friends, and all who were privileged to experience his generous spirit. With a servant's heart, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and uplift those in need.

Don was a man of many passions, each reflecting his adventurous spirit and love for life. After losing his dad at the age of 13, the study of Karate and Kenjutsu became the center of his young life, achieving the esteemed rank of third dan black belt in Karate. His commitment not only shaped his physical abilities but also instilled in him a discipline that defined his overall character.

Don enjoyed rebuilding trucks and off-road racing, a passion he shared with his older brother, Jay, motorcycles (Yes, he owned a Harley!), watching MMA fighting, cooking (most likely due to his love of eating), and supporting his beloved Clippers ( a true fan - both in their triumph and their struggles).

The next chapter in Don’s life began when he started dating and soon married the love of his life, Torrie. For the next 30 years, Don supported his new family in so many ways. He lovingly embraced the craziness of being the husband of an elementary school teacher. He faithfully attended after-school events and joined in the fun at staff parties. He often dropped by with lunch or delivered a much-appreciated venti vanilla latte and always remembered to send Torrie flowers on the first day of school every year.

Don loved Sarah, Craig, and Kyle as if they were his own. He was their biggest supporter. Don spent many years cheering passionately at their sporting events, traveling with their teams, and following their dreams and passions. He was known for his constant encouragement during all their athletic endeavors and school events. He never missed an opportunity to be present and involved in their sports, passions, and pastimes. He was invested in their interests and instantly made them his own. Whatever the event, Sarah, Craig, and Kyle could look in the stands and know Don would be there, smiling with pride!

Over the years, Don strived to make family life a priority by creating countless memories with snowboarding adventures, river trips, and other family vacations. Don navigated the challenges of teaching the kids how to drive, celebrated their milestones through middle and high school, and beamed with pride at their college graduations and their post-high school accomplishments.

He loved his kids and their friends and supported them all in every way possible, often including them in family vacations and adventures. It was common to see the living room floor covered with sleeping teens or someone “shopping” from the household pantry and fridge. Don welcomed everyone with his whole heart, a father figure who offered advice, comfort, support, and love. Others could instantly feel the warmth that radiated from him!

For over 17 years, Don excelled as a dedicated service manager for Volvo and other dealerships throughout the Inland Empire. His expertise and friendly demeanor created lasting relationships with his colleagues and clients. Even though he loved this line of work, Don felt a different calling deep within his heart that urged him to pursue his true passion - serving the Lord and his Community.

A graduate of Azusa High School in 1985, Don returned to academics later in life and attended California Baptist University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies in 2012 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2015. His education reflected his commitment to personal growth and desire to serve others more effectively. These academic pursuits were the bridge to a life of deeper faith, purpose, and passion.

Don’s commitment to community was especially evident in his role with Mount Rubidoux Manor, where he served as the president of the Board of Directors for numerous years. Don’s devotion to the residents was not merely a job but was his heart and soul. He embraced the opportunity to uplift and support those who needed what he had to offer. Ultimately, Don became the Administrator for American Baptist Homes / HumanGood for five years. Even after stepping back from his administrative duties, Don could not resist the pull of devotion he had for the Manor. He returned to the Board of Directors, always seeking ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The greatest joy of Don’s life came with the birth of his granddaughter, Rylee. The moment she entered the world, she took his breath away. Don’s smile grew bigger, and his heart doubled in size whenever Rylee was around. The joy of being Grampy to not only Rylee, but also Haylee and Summer filled his life with unmatched happiness. The title of “Grampy” was a true honor he held in the highest regard, and it was the role he enjoyed the most. Each moment shared with these precious girls was a celebration of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. There is no doubt he was born for the role!

Travel was another passion that Don pursued with enthusiasm. With his wife, Torrie, by his side, they shared countless adventures exploring breathtaking destinations, including Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, and beach camping on the Pacific Coast. Their travels were marked by laughter, discovery, and the simple joy of each other's company, transforming each trip into a lasting memory. Friends were made everywhere they went; real-life relationships were Don’s forte. It was a sign of Don’s nature to become friends with all he encountered. Family, faith, friends, and fun represent the essence of Don King!

Don’s love for the great outdoors found a special expression through camping. He took pride in evolving his camping setups over the years, from a simple blow-up mattress to a fully loaded travel trailer, eventually culminating in a 1997 passenger van he painstakingly renovated and lovingly named “Coddiwomple.” This charming name perfectly captured his thirst for adventure and the joy of simplicity in life’s journey. The van was a passion project he poured his heart and soul into. Don spent endless hours making it a comfortable space with simple yet accessible amenities. The goal was to easily explore the great outdoors while enjoying the beauty of nature and all that life has to offer. “Coddiwomple” provided exactly that and more, with many memories of travel, trips, and grand adventures. Travel and fresh air were gifts that rejuvenated his spirit and calmed his soul.

Don lived a life devoted to his faith, family, and community. He and his family were faithful members of First Baptist Church, Riverside, for over 25 years. Even as the church changed (now known as Church on the Hill), Don’s servant heart remained steady and strong. His daily efforts resonated with the mission of love and service. He actively participated in Men’s and Children’s Ministry, bible studies, and small groups. Don also enjoyed family camps and various outreach efforts. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. Don’s ability to inspire and lead was demonstrated as the Church Moderator and Chairman of the Board of Deacons, as well as his active involvement in various church committees.

Don’s journey in faith also took him beyond local horizons. His commitment to spreading love and support led him to participate in mission teams that traveled to Alaska, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Every trip was marked with his desire to serve Christ while providing much-needed resources (labor, necessary supplies, and mentorship) through the warmth of fellowship and the desire to inspire hope amidst challenging circumstances.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Torrie (Cantrell), who was his partner in life and love. His family includes stepchildren Sarah (Cantrell) Ferguson (Ian), Craig Cantrell, and Kyle Cantrell (Audra), as well as his cherished granddaughters, Rylee Morrow, Summer Ferguson, and Haylee Ferguson. His brother, Jay King, his nieces, Jaime Aldrete, Sarai Castillo, Nichole King, Brianna King, and his nephew, Johnny Castillo, and his much-loved in-laws, dear close friends, and a supportive community who cared for him deeply.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Anna King, his sister Linda Castillo, and many other family members and friends who hugely influenced Don’s life.

Although Don is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him. He has left a mark on our lives, inspiring us to live with compassion and faith. While he will be dearly missed, we take comfort in the certainty that he is at peace in the presence of the Lord.

We honor his memory by striving to embody the love, kindness, and unwavering faith he shared so freely with the world. Rest in peace, dear Don. You are forever in our hearts.

Services for Don King’s Celebration of Life will be held at 

Church on the Hill, 

5500 Alessandro Boulevard, Riverside, CA 

               on Saturday, June 7, 2025,              at 10:30 am