Carmen King

Carmen C. King, a beloved child of God, was born April 22, 1958, in Kansas City, KS to Mr. Arthur F. Jackson and Mrs. Florence V. King-Johnson. On December 4, 2020, Carmen completed his earthly duties and joined his Heavenly Father, his parents and brothers; Charles Johnson, Ronald Burdeen, Gregory Jackson, and Donald King.

Carmen proudly attended J. C. Harmon High School graduating with the Class of 1977.  He played football and basketball, and for over 20 years held the J.C. Harmon basketball record for most points scored in a single game. His skill and stature ("six foot six and full of tricks") allowed him to become an accomplished college basketball player, where he met and befriended many professional athletes – most notably the late Kobi Bryant and several members of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Carmen was known for reciting of Bible verses, rhymes, and poetry. On Thanksgiving 2019, when his family gathered to say what they were thankful for he extemporaneously shared, “I’m thankful for ya! Thank You, Father, not just for the seasons but for all your heavenly reasons. You taught us early in life your fruits of love. I know this feeling is from above. You are with us when we’re unaware. Thank You, Father, for Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, to which none of us can compare. You love us and give us joy and happiness when we're not worthy. Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus and the Holy Spirit to earth.”

Carmen's new life began when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He later joined and supported the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ (KCMO) under the pastorate and tutelage of Bishop Daniel M. Jordan - who became his God-sent spiritual father and mentor. Carmen had an insatiable thirst for the word of God so when his brother, Minister Arthur Jackson, moved back to Kansas City he and Carmen began monthly Bible studies. Carmen told many about his reading of the Proverbs in the morning and the Psalm’s in the evening. During his illness, he’d ask you to read Psalm 94. While you were reading, he’d begin to recite from memory each word.

Carmen was justifiably proud of his sobriety and would often, unprompted, joyfully share his exact years, months, and days of deliverance from addiction, always thanking God for giving him a second life on earth. At the time of his death he would’ve said, to you, “8 Years, 11 months, and 4 days!! To make sure he lived an alcohol and drug free life, despite his years of sobriety, he continued going to weekly AA/Drug Addiction Meetings, and supported others on their path of sobriety.

Carmen was the textbook definition of a true salesman - he could sell ice to an Eskimo.  He became a self-made entrepreneur, known to some as the Cologne Man and to others as Car-King, from whom they purchased their first car.

Carmen leaves many to cherish his memories and his demonstrated love of God. He is survived by his younger brothers, Ronald King, and Dorzell King, Sr. and older brothers, Hanif Kahlil, Arthur Jackson, and Carl Jackson, his sisters Bertha Jones (Nolan), Sheila Harvey (his favorite/ride or die), Judy Sanders, Patricia Wright, and Susan Jackson (playfully called his twin). He also leaves his unconditional love to his entire family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of beloved friends.

Carmen, as he often did in life, would tell us not to mourn his passing, but always remember that, "I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it!!" He truly lived these words. We give thanks to God for our brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Carmen Costello King – forever The Car-King.

Due to COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines. Temperature checks will be enforced.