of Benton, AR

October 16, 1946 - February 17, 2026

Olan Von King, affectionately know as Big O, 79, of Benton, Arkansas passed away February 17, 2026 at Baptist Hospital after an 8 month battle with AML surrounded by his family and friends as he ran into the arms of Jesus and heard the words ''well done my good and faithful servant.''

Olan was born October 16, 1946, to the late Leamon and Hettie Kelley King in Malvern, Arkansas. He graduated from Bryant , Arkansas in 1964 where he played football and ran track. He attended UALR. He enlisted and served in the Army National Guard as a medic from 9/5/1965 to 9/7/1971. He worked for Reynolds underground mines before attending UALR and then began his employment of 41 years with Alcoa. He retired in 2010 as a Water Treatment
Technician. He and his twin brother Rolan (also his best friend) retired at the same time and enjoyed attending cow sales, riding four wheelers, playing golf, sitting in their shops and just enjoying the great outdoors and playing games.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Billy King, Bobby King, Waymon King, Norman King and a sister Bonita Schmidt.

Olan is survived by his wife of 54 years Kathy Tedford King; his son Kevin and wife Amanda of Rogers, a daughter Kristi Ward of Benton, a grandson Bryce King and granddaughter Chloe King of Rogers, a twin brother Rolan King and wife Donna of Benton, a sister Donna Whitfield
of New Mexico and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.

He accepted Jesus as his Savior as a teenager and he would tell you it was the best decision he ever made. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Benton where he served for years as the Director of the ushers and greeters. You could find him at the front door every Sunday morning welcoming people to FBC. It was one of his favorite things to do and he did it well. Numerous people have said how they looked forward to seeing him every Sunday at the door. He also served as a member of the church security team. Olan was always the first to volunteer when something needed to be done. One of the life changing moments in his life was when David James asked him to be on his team when FBC did FAITH, an outreach program where he learned how to better share the gospel. God gave Olan a boldness as he went into homes of strangers and shared what it meant to be saved, to have the assurance of an eternity in heaven. This time in Olan's life changed him from being an introvert to talking to anyone!

He loved life and like all the King boys, he was born with a competitive nature especially with Rolan. He loved softball and played church league ball for many years and made life long friends along the way. He might not remember what he did yesterday but just ask about a softball game from ages ago and he could tell you the score and recount all the plays! He loved playing cards, pinochle being his favorite game! He spent many late nights playing pinochle tournaments with good friends! He loved going on cruises, especially enjoying the ice cream machine on the Carnival ships. He loved traveling and was especially glad that he got to go to Israel! His grandkids were his pride and joy! Being Papa O was the best job he ever had! He spent many hours riding Bryce and Chloe on the four wheeler or his tractor.

He was kind and made friends easily. He was so loved and never realized the impact he had on others. Through his illness, he was blessed to have a strong support system of family and friends. Everyday he counted his blessings. His family was blessed to call him husband, dad,
Papa O and friend!

The family would like to to say a special thanks to Baptist Hospital 10 A nurses and staff for their compassionate care in Olan's many hospital stays and to Carti and Dr. Sasapu and his staff and to the Baptist ICU Unit 4 staff who guided us through those last hours with such compassion and care. We are grateful for each of you.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Carti Cancer Center in Little Rock.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com