William Eli King

Mr. William E. King, 92, of Largo, FL, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, died February 16, 2021 at St. Petersburg General Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. Born in a house on “the Salem curve” in Salem, Iowa on July 2nd, 1928, he was the son of Marion “Pat” King and Gladys (White) King. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Jane (Mayerchik) King, his siblings Charles King, Kathryn (Ross), Rex King, Mert King, Joanne (Smith), Jim King, Linda (Cameron), Estyl (Breazeale), Marilyn King, and a great grandaughter Ayla Jane Frase. A sister and a brother, Bob King and Patti Nicol, his 7 children, as well as 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren survive him.

Bill graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1946 where he played basketball.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country as a machinist mate. After visiting many ports, and an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Iowa to study economics.  He then traveled to Chicago to begin a career in the insurance business.

October 3rd 1953 in Harvey, IL Bill and Betty Jane Mayerchik were united in marriage.  To this union of 40 years 7 children were born:  Randall (Yolanda) King of Aiea, HI, Sheryl (Ron) Johnson of Largo, FL, Karen King (Deland, FL) Marianne King (Orlando, FL), Anita (Dan) Frase (Trego, WI), Susan King (Sedona, AZ), and Barbara King (St. Petersburg, FL).  His insurance career took the family to several states including Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky.  The family then returned to Iowa in 1973 to Newton then on to Mt. Pleasant to be closer to  Bill’s roots.  Bill was an active member with Rotary Club, Henry County Republican party, Mt. Pleasant Bowling League.  He specialized in Real Estate as a full time career and owned King B Realty in Mt. Pleasant.

Bill retired to Florida in 2019 where he spent time enjoying daughters, grandchildren, and the wonderful sunshine that he loved.  He was dedicated to family and consistently encouraged family values, honesty, common sense, and education.  Bill’s fatherhood and dedication to his family will be forever remembered and cherished.

The memorial funeral service for Mr. King will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Salem Friends Church, Salem, IA. Pastor Deb Savage will officiate. Burial will be in the Salem South Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by the  Henry County Honor Guard and Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

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