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Dale King, Longtime Billings Resident, Dies at 77
King spent decades as an educator and basketball coach in the Billings area after serving in the Navy.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Dale T. King, a longtime resident of Billings, Montana, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 77. King was born in Lawrence, Kansas, and spent his early years living in North and South Dakota before his family settled in Billings in 1952. After serving in the Navy, including a stint off the coast of Vietnam, King pursued a career in education, teaching and coaching basketball in the Lockwood School District. He also worked as a geology consultant during his free time.
Why it matters
King's life story reflects the experiences of many Montanans who served their country, pursued multiple careers, and made lasting contributions to their local communities. His passing marks the end of an era for Billings, as the city continues to evolve and change over the decades.
The details
After graduating from Billings West High School in 1966, King joined the Naval Reserve at his father's urging. He spent a year at the University of Montana before being called to active duty, where he spent his 19th birthday off the coast of Vietnam. Following an honorable discharge, King stayed in California for a time before returning to Billings. He attended Eastern Montana College for a year and then transferred to Montana State University, where he majored in geology with an emphasis on petroleum. When the oil and gas industry declined, King earned the necessary credits to get a teaching degree from Rocky Mountain College, allowing him to work as an educator and basketball coach in the Lockwood School District. He also did geology consulting work during his free time.
- King was born in Lawrence, Kansas in the early 1950s.
- King's family moved to Billings, Montana in 1952.
- King graduated from Billings West High School in 1966.
- King joined the Naval Reserve during his senior year of high school and served active duty in the Navy, including time off the coast of Vietnam, in 1967-1969.
- King passed away on January 15, 2026 at the age of 77.
The players
Dale T. King
A longtime resident of Billings, Montana who served in the Navy, worked as an educator and basketball coach, and did geology consulting work.
Thomas King
Dale King's father, who worked as a technical manager for a seismic crew and later remarried after Dale's mother passed away.
Velma (Gosney) King
Dale King's mother, who passed away when he was 9 years old.
Jack E. King
Dale King's younger brother.
Geneva Jolley
Dale King's stepmother, who his father married after the death of Dale's mother.
The takeaway
Dale King's life story reflects the experiences of many Montanans who served their country, pursued multiple careers, and made lasting contributions to their local communities. His passing marks the end of an era for Billings, as the city continues to evolve and change over the decades.
