Donald L. King

KING, Donald L.
of Portage Age 82, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2011 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Don entered this world on June 30, 1929 in Lansing, MI, to the late Leo and Hilda Shaffer King. He was a devoted husband and a nurturing and loving father and grandfather who lived his Christian faith and treasured his family. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and integrity. He graduated from Otsego High School in 1948. Don served his country from 1948 in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Denver, CO until he was honorably discharged in 1952. He was employed by The Upjohn Company for 35 years until his retirement in 1988. After his retirement, he and his wife had a second home in Clearwater, FL, where they enjoyed their winters for many years. He was a very active member of Lake Center Bible Church since 1960. He served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Lake Center and was also a Sunday School teacher at Clearwater Baptist Church. He traveled to many churches singing with his brother David, in the 60's and 70's as the King Brothers and cut a Christian album in 1966. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn Reed whom he married on April 14, 1951. Also surviving are their loving children, Gary Julie King of Niles, MI and Jill Patrick Beatty of Nashville, TN. Also survived by his loving grandchildren, Gretchen Terry Day, Samantha Greg White and Gary King, Jr.; great grandchildren Christopher and Nicole Day, Parker White and Brooklyn King; brother, David Dorothy King; and 4 step-grandchildren, Jayson, Ajay and Eric Lind and Shannon Parker; and many nieces and nephews. A life celebration will be held on Monday, November 28th , 2:00 o'clock at Lake Center Bible Church, 805 Osterhout Rd., with Rev. Billy Creech officiating. The family will greet friends at the church, beginning at noon with the service starting at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Rose Arbor Hospice Care, 5473 Croyden Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or to Lake Center Bible Church.