Larry D. King

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Larry D. King, 75, of Lincoln passed away January 26, 2023. Born December 12, 1947, in rural Burt County, NE to Ralph and Gladys (Nelson) King.

Larry attended District 33, a one room rural school in Cuming County, prior to moving to Oakland in 1955. He graduated from high school there in 1966. He attended Wayne State College for two years and then transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he a BSE in 1970, a Masters Degree in 1972, and a Specialists Degree in Educational Administration in 1974. He spent his first 7 years after college in education, teaching at Ralston high School from 1970-72, moving to the Nebraska State Department of Education in Lincoln from 1972-74 serving as a consultant for vocational education. Later in life he realized among the many things that job offered, that traveling the state from border to border allowed him to see and experience first hand the small towns, the sandhills, the many rivers and lakes, and the great people that made up the state of Nebraska. His final position in education was at Lyons High School where he was the Jr. Sr. High School Principal and Athletic Director from 1974-77.

In the summer of 1977 he moved to Lincoln and joined forces with his friend from college, Larry Loomis, when they started Awards Unlimited, from scratch. They both served as co-owners and were heavily involved in the day to day operations of the company for the entire 38 years. The company had grown to 45 employees with sales in all 50 states by 2015 when they sold it to Regal Awards of Omaha in 2015.

Larry very much enjoyed working with the customers. The nature of the company was such that he had weekly, monthly or at the very least annual connections with each customer he worked with, year after year. Many became friends as well as customers.

Being a former educator, he had a special connection with the principals and athletic directors in Nebraska. He received the Jack Hallstrom “Friend of Education” award from the Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals, the “Award of High Distinction” from the Nebraska State Athletic Directors Association, the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Nebraska State Activities (NSAA), and the “Friend of High School Sports” award from the Nebraska High School Coaches Association. Larry also served on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Larry loved spending time with his 8 grandchildren where games and sports were almost always part of the activities.

Larry is survived by his wife, Connie, daughter Holly King, Torrance, CA, grandchildren Chesney and Parker, step-sons Ryan (Michelle) and Troy ( Tracy) HIlligas and their children Tayler, Aspen, Kennedi, Bryson, Jack, and Ellie, nephew Mike Jensen, Harrisville, NY. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley King Jensen, and brother Dwain King.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday (2-1-23) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.

Memorials to: Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame or Peoples City Mission.

Honorary Pallbearers

~Mick Anderson

~Tom Swenson

~Greg Kamp

~Scott & Ruth Koch

~Greg & Julie Adams

~Ann Masters

~Kurt Micek

~Sheila King

~Ron & Sheila Scheinost

~Dave & Marla Stahl

~Vicki & (Jack) Pierce

~(Leon & Phyllis Wragge)

~(Larry Loomis)

~Athletic Directors

~Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors

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Services

February1

Celebration of LIfe

11:00 am CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

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Share a Memory or Condolence

February 2, 2023

When I was involved in high school sports, I did business with Awards Unlimited. It was a pleasure to to business with Larry, a really good guy! My condolences to the family for your loss.

– Skip Morris

February 1, 2023

Larry was my principal 3 of the 5 years I taught in Lyons. I was a 2nd year teacher when Larry came to Lyons. He helped me become a better teacher and was always willing to listen to concerns, encourage and raise spirits. My deepest sympathy to his family.

– Helen Schlichting Brown

February 1, 2023

Great Gentleman, always appreciated his support of the Rimington Trophy over the years. RIP Larry, 🙏🙏🙏 to Holly and family

– Tony Felici

February 1, 2023

Larry and I shared a business and personal relationship that spanned nearly a half a century. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. RIP

– Jim Seiler

January 31, 2023

Through grade school and high school, to me “Kinger” was always one of those highly respected older Vikings. I had the good fortune and pleasure of much later working with “Larry & Larry”, providing design and construction services for various Awards Unlimited projects. Sympathies to the family and friends of a truly great guy.

– Scott Sandquist

January 31, 2023

Larry moved to town in 2nd grade and became a classmate and friend from there to graduation in ‘66. He was a leader in class and in the gym and on the field. Point guard and QB, not because he was the best athlete but because he was smart. Played lunch time BB at the old UNL gym on 14th when he was at Dept of Ed, old high school parties at his house to watch senior season football game films. Good memories. RIP old friend.

– Doug Sandquist

January 30, 2023

I was saddened to read of Larry’s passing as I knew him from Oakland and later from doing business with Awards Unlimited for Cornerstone Baseball in York. He and I shared memories from our beloved Oakland whenever we crossed paths. My sympathies to you all as you grieve your loss.

– Jean Holmquist Vincent

January 29, 2023

Worked with Larry through the Lincoln Marathon and other events I organized. Always a pleasure to work with him. He will be missed. Condolences and prayers to the family.

– Gary Bredehoft

January 29, 2023

Larry was a coach and teacher when I was at Ralston High. Later, I enjoyed being a customer of “the Larry’s” at Awards Unlimited. Sad to read of his passing. One less great guy among us. Peace be with him and his family (My mom also taught with Larry at RHS)