David Guthrie King Sr. passed away September 16, 2025, at his home in Westminster Maryland. He was 88 and had been suffering from cancer and Alzheimer’s dementia.

David was born in Baltimore Maryland, September 1, 1937, to John W. King and Teresa Lorenz King. He attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Towson State Teacher’s College for undergraduate, and the University of Maryland for post graduate courses.

David met Shirley Hellwig King on their first day as college Freshmen at Towson State Teacher’s College. They married in April of 1960, and they shared a long, successful marriage of 65 years at the time of his passing.

His teaching career with Baltimore County Public Schools began in the fall of 1959. David eventually became Principal of Hereford Junior-Senior High School. From there he moved to Towson Senior High, and he finished his administrative career at Pikesville Senior High School. He briefly served as an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum for Baltimore County Public Schools between his tenure at Towson High and Pikesville High. David King is remembered by his students as a man who was dedicated and would provide care and assistance at any time of the day or night such as helping an injured student to their family car or helping students whose car broke down.

Summers for the King family meant packing up their van and heading to David’s other love, Frost Valley YMCA in the Catskills of New York. There he used his passions for children and demonstrated his leadership skills as Program and Camp Director. He continued to serve Frost Valley as an alumnus, helping with fundraising efforts, and personally donating to Frost Valley to bring the camping experience to children in need.

David is survived by his beloved family, especially his wife, Shirley Hellwig King of Westminster. His daughter Kathryn King Steinwedel of Westminster, her husband Bill, and their three children David, Megan, and Dylan Steinwedel. His son David King Jr, of Raleigh, North Carolina, his wife Michele, and their three children Patrick, Colin, and Charlotte King. His two honorary daughters joined the King family after 1979; Cecilia Mark Herbert of Sweden, her husband Roger, and their daughters Emma and Julia Herbert, and Shaunna Hawkes Anderson of Baltimore, her husband CJ, and their daughters Sydney and Charleigh Anderson.

David was known for his love of jokes. He brought joy and silliness to his children and grandchildren through his many years. When asked by the nursing staff at his residence, if he needed anything, his usual reply was, “A box of $20s.”

We hope he found them.

The family will receive friends from 1 -2 p.m. at Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 East Main Street, Westminster, MD and a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Frost Valley YMCA at https://frostvalley.org/dave-king/