Katherine "Missy" Harrington (King), age 80, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026. She was born on October 9, 1945, in Del Rio, Texas to Walter and Eline "Tootsie" King.

Known to everyone as "Missy," Katherine brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met. She was deeply proud of her roots and carried her Texas spirit with her throughout her life. Above all else, she cherished her family and found her greatest joy in being a grandmother, a role she embraced with endless love and generosity. She will be remembered for her dedication to her students, her devotion to those she loved, and the quiet strength she showed throughout her life.

On June 2, 1967, she married Jack Harrington, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment, and shared values. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and service to others.

Missy dedicated over 30 years of her life to education as a schoolteacher, many of which were spent teaching at Comstock Independent School District, her beloved alma mater. Teaching was more than a career for her—it was a calling. She touched generations of students with her patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in the importance of learning and community. Beyond the classroom, Missy was deeply involved with Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center, a nonprofit organization close to her heart. Her commitment to Shumla reflected her passion for preservation, education, and service, and she gave generously of her time, energy, and leadership. This work was a source of great pride and meaning in her life. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped—both in the classroom and at home—and in the love she gave so freely.

Missy was preceded in death by her father, Walter, her mother, Tootsie, and her husband, Jack. She is survived by her son, Danny (Gwen) of Del Rio, TX, her bonus daughter, Sylvia (Brian) of Jacksonville, FL, four grandchildren, Troy Harrington of Del Rio, Megan Martin (Kyle) of Comstock, Travis Christley (Emily) of Comstock, Hannah Hatcher (Joel) of Peoria, AZ, two bonus grandchildren, Kyle Schmucker of Jacksonville, FL and Erika Schmucker of Jacksonville, FL, and her five great grandchildren, Leland, Weston and Beckett Martin of Comstock, and Falcon and Fray Hatcher of Peoria, AZ.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 307 E. Losoya Street, Del Rio, Texas.

Following the Mass, the family will receive friends and relatives in the church gymnasium. All are welcome to attend.

A final committal service will be held at Zuberbueler Ranch, Highway 90 West.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has designated Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center for memorial contributions. Make a gift to an organization that Missy loved dearly by visiting www.shumla.org/donate or mailing it to Shumla, PO Box 627, Comstock, TX 78837.