Robert King

09/03/1925 – 01/13/2015
Reverend Robert D. King, 89 years young, went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Green Acres Retirement Home in Ionia, Michigan, with his loving family at his side.
Bob was born on September 3, 1925 in Wauseon, Ohio to the late Albert and Mary (Bowman) King. On January 10, 1948 he married Marie Plocek who preceded him in death in 1987 after nearly 40 years of marital bliss. In addition, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Rupp, a brother, Paul King and a great-granddaughter Ashtyn Baker.
Upon graduating from high school in West Unity, Ohio, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his buddy, Dick Caulkins, and proudly served 31 months during World War II as a gunner’s mate on the USS Intrepid. After the war, Bob was a farmer in Kunkle, Ohio and an All County All Star fast pitch softball player.
In 1966 he and his family moved to Michigan where he served as a pastor in Sidney and Vestaburg. He and Marie both served as missionaries in Gamerco, New Mexico and he also served as a missionary in Haiti. Bob and Marie enjoyed a few years as dorm parents at Jordan College in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
Bob is survived by his children, Marsha & Ron Baker of Pioneer, Ohio, Alan & Heidi King of Alexandria, Virginia, Greg & Peg King of Greenville and Terry King of Sheridan. In addition, he is survived by 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob loved to sing and in his younger years he was the lead singer in the Galileans gospel quartet. His family is sure he is now rejoicing in being part of the Heavenly choir.
Funeral services for Bob will be on Saturday, January 17, 2015 beginning at 1 PM, at the Shiloh Community church with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Final Interment will be at the Sidney Cemetery in Sidney, Michigan.
Visitation will be at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan on Friday, January 16, 2015 from 4 PM to 7 PM. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Pastor Kings memory the family has suggested donations be made to the Ebenezer Glen Orphanage and envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.