Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Dustin “Dusty” Donald King
Obituary
Dustin Donald King, known to his family and Kansas City school-mates as “Dusty,” died suddenly at his home in London, England, on October 3, 2022. Dustin was 46 years old.
Dustin was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 2, 1976, the son of Stephen and Shayla King. He is survived by his parents and two older brothers — Brian King (Jen Behme) of Springfield, Missouri, and Damian King of Arvada, Colorado. He is also survived by his cherished aunts: Mary Stecher of Oak Park, Illinois; Valerie Reif of Lawrence, Kansas; and Mary Katherine “Kitty” King of Raytown, Missouri. Dustin was particularly close to his uncle William T. “Bill” Stecher who passed away in 2015.
Dustin lived in London for more than 16 years. He loved the city. He had a successful career in business-to-business software sales, first in the United States, and then in the United Kingdom. He made many friends in various circles, especially in London adult volleyball. He excelled in that sport, both as a setter and as a coach.
Dustin was outgoing and a real charmer. His smile was unforgettable. He graduated from Kansas City’s Rockhurst High School in 1994 and from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 1998. He was an excellent student at all levels, a lifelong over-achiever, a singer, a dancer, a member of the Georgetown Chimes, and a cross-country runner who became a marathoner. He was a hiker, a true world traveler, a mountain climber, and a vegan for conscientious reasons. He loved theater, opera, and contemporary art.
Dustin died too young. He will be missed … on at least two continents.
Virtual Celebration of Life
& Online Reception
Recorded Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Dustin’s family invites you to view the virtual Celebration of Life Service & Reception honoring his life and legacy.
Slideshow
Photo Gallery
In Lieu Of Flowers Please Consider Donating To Your Local Humane Society or Animal Shelter
Dustin cared about humane treatment of the world’s animals. If he were writing this note, he would encourage you to direct any memorial contribution to advocates for these causes in your region of the world.
Cheeky Dusty is loved and sorely missed.
Dusty represented true sunshine & joy. Even at a very young age he was able to capture your attention and simultaneously your heart. Descansa en paz, Dusty
I miss you Presidente
I met Dustin the first week at Georgetown, and always remember him as full of energy, smart, warm, kind, talented, and of course that huge smile. I was so moved by the celebration today, and grateful to be a part of it. Let this be a testimony to how many lives he touched. I’m sending love and support to your entire family…he will be missed and remembered. –Melinda
Our hearts thought go out to all of you. Although the times Dustin and I spent time together were few, they were all memorable. I have always enjoyed crossing paths with him. Love you all Kings.
What a beautiful celebration of life. My sisters, Sara, Tess, and I, the Dickenson cousins all send our sorrow and condolences for the loss of your amazing son and brother. Love to all.
May his memory be a blessing.
Steve Mohyla
Chime #107
To the King Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dustin was such a vibrant and energetic person. He was so kind to me in London.
Dear King family, my deepest condolences for your loss. You are in my prayers.
You were my first sales colleague and a great person, teacher and mentor!! You will be sorely missed. Sending so much love to your family!
Dear King family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dustin touched so many lives at Georgetown as a part of The Chimes. With his infectious laugh, beaming smile, and pure voice, a room would become aglow with his presence. Sending you all love.
Jake Robards
Chime #164
Thinking of Dustin. He was a kind generous lovely man and I miss him dearly.
Dusty was a very dear friend to me during our CEB-London years. When I got bored in the office, I’d swing by Dusty’s desk for some back chat and jokes, he could always make me laugh. We used to play badminton in Marylebone with Stephen and Chris and I have many, many memories of fun dinners and nights out in London. He is such a part of my time in London that I look back on so fondly. I am so sad to hear of the news of his passing, I know that in his short time he had such an impact on so many people, who will keep him alive in their memories forever.
Dear Dustin’s family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dustin’s passing. I was fortunate to have known him at Georgetown, where he welcomed me as a close friend of my sister when they were seniors and I was a freshman. He befriended me as if I was one of them and was generous with his kindness, cheers for me on the soccer field, and one-of-a-kind laughter. I will never forget the time he saw my sister and I walking the day before her wedding, and he stopped his car in the middle of a busy D.C. street to run over and give her a big hug and flash his signature smile. I will remember him fondly and keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Natalie Giugno Maciolek
You will be very much missed, Dustin! We spent some great times together in our volleyball circles and I will remember our happy times forever. Rest in peace, my friend. I would like to take this opportunity to also express my condolences to Dustin’s family. I am really sorry for your loss and I hope you will find peace soon.
Diego Canciani
I remember Dusty as full of life, heading for a run and sporting a huge smile. I feel lucky to have spent time with him at Georgetown. Sending prayers and love to all.
Damian, Brian and the whole King family, I’m sorry to learn of your loss of Dusty and I hope you can all keep his memory alive in your hearts during this holiday season and after. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Shayla and Steve,
I was heartbroken to learn about your loss. Dustin was such a dear friend during our Georgetown years and beyond. He found humor and happiness in the smallest of moments and lived life to its fullest. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Nicole Giugno Johnson
Dear Dustin, can’t still believe I am writing this! we miss you so much! You were and still are truly loved by the all Inter family! You will always be in our hearts, we will never forget your incredible smile and energy, and your volleyball skills of course 🙂 Thank you for all the great moments we spent together! Love you so much
Sonia
Dear Steve and Shayla:
I’m a friend of Kitty’s, and feel that I almost know you
from her warm references to you over the years. She
told me yesterday the sad news of Dusty’s passing.
Just wanted to assure you that many more folks than
you know are thinking of you today, and praying for
all of you. Sincere prayers that the One Whose love
is stronger than death will be with your family today,
and every coming day.