Missouri Commissioner of Education D. Kent King died today at the age of 65 at his home in Rolla. King served as the state’s top education official since September 22, 2000.

King was born at Preston (Hickory County) to the late Morris Samuel (Tuck) and Wilma McKenzie King on September 19, 1943.

Surviving Kent are his wife Sandy and three children: Tracy James and husband Doug, Rolla; Derik King and wife Jackie, Ladue; and Kevin King, St. Louis. Also surviving are his pride and joy, his grandchildren: Kayla James, Kelsi James, Kathryne King, Sarah King and Samuel Kent King. Other survivors include one brother, Jim King and wife Julia, Columbia; mother-in-law Jewell Bradshaw and brother-in-law Tim Bradshaw, Urbana; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

After completing his undergraduate degree in English in three years at Central Missouri State University (1964), Kent began his 44-year career in education. He was an English teacher and junior high school principal at Houston for six years. He received his master’s degree from Drury College (1967) and his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) from Oklahoma State University (1972).

For the next six years (1971-77), he was superintendent of schools for the Licking School District. He served the next 19 years (1977-96) as superintendent of the Rolla Public Schools. Kent joined the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1996. He was appointed Commissioner of Education in 2000 by the State Board of Education and served in that capacity until his death. He is only the fourth person to hold the office of Missouri Commissioner of Education.

Funeral services for Kent will be held at the First United Methodist Church Rolla (803 North Main), at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2009. Visitation also will be held at the church from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Internment will follow at Rolla Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the D. Kent King Memorial Fund, c/o Champions of Rolla Education (CORE), PO Box 1204, Rolla, MO 65402.

UPDATE: Gov. Matt Blunt today issued the following statement on the passing of Kent King:

“Melanie and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Kent King. Dr. King was a dedicated public servant who committed his life and career to education, and always put the needs of students first. He was a valued member of my Cabinet who shared my belief that education should be the highest priority of state government. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. King’s family especially his wife Sandy, and his children and grandchildren.”

Statement from Gov.-elect Jay Nixon on the passing King:

“Georganne and I join our fellow Missourians in mourning the death of Dr. D. Kent King, Missouri Commissioner of Education. Dr. King was a true public servant, dedicated to the ideals of public education and to the welfare of students. That dedication did not waver for more than 40 years, from the time he was a teacher, principal and superintendent through his tenure for the past eight years as Commissioner of Education.

Because Georganne’s father, Hubert Wheeler, was the state’s first Education Commissioner, we have always felt a special kinship to public education in Missouri and to those who work so hard for its continued advancement. That certainly included Kent King, who played a great role as a leader of public education in our state.

Missouri’s education community will miss Dr. King greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”