Ralph S. King

Ralph S. King, 101, a long time resident of DeKalb County, IN and later Tavares, FL, died peacefully on March 29, 2017, with family by his side at Ruleme Place assisted living facility, Eustis FL. Mr. King was born and raised on the King farmstead in Franklin Township where his nephew, Wayne (Debbie) King, resides. He graduated from Butler High School in 1933 and enjoyed returning for the school reunions every year. After farming most of his life, Mr. King worked in other capacities, retiring from Kresge’s in Fort Wayne. Upon his retirement, he discovered the joys of fishing and gardening sharing the bounty with family and friends. In the late 1990s, Mr. King moved to Florida where he became an active member of his community receiving the honor of Community Service Award. Mr. King was born October 20, 1915, to Samuel E. and Belle Haverstock King. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Loran D. King; his wife, Violet Henry King and more recently, his wife, Sadie Guthrie King. He is survived by his loving family of two sons, Dr. John W. King of Fayetteville AR and George R. (Mary Jane) King of Winter Haven FL and Baltimore MD; two daughters, Ruth S. Bradford of Apopka FL and Karen S. (Mahlon) Rieke of Auburn IN; 10 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 21 great, great grandchildren; and nephews and nieces. Mr. King always had a ready smile and loved talking with family and friends, old and new. A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at a later date on the King farmstead northwest of Butler. The family is deeply grateful for the loving care given their father at Ruleme Place. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis