King, Joseph L. (1913-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 30 Apr 1987 p. 11

Birth date: 1913

text of obituary:

JOSEPH L. KING

Joseph L. King was born Feb. 23, 1913, near Wellman, Iowa, to David and Hattie Yoder King. He attended the White Hall and Poplar Grove rural schools.

He received Christ as his Savior as a youth and was baptized on May 2, 1926, at West Union Mennonite Church, where he remained a member until his death. He served the church in various capacities, including Sunday school teacher and superintendent, church council member, trustee and janitor. He was also a member of the Washington Township Optimists and Iowa County Christian Farmers.

He was united in marriage to Pauline Iames at the Baptist Church, Muscatine, on July 6, 1937. They farmed in Iowa County until retiring in 1975. For the nine years before his death, they lived in Frytown, where he was employed as a handyman by Lester Yoder. Much of his time was given to restoring antiques, especially cars and trucks.

He also enjoyed fishing and traveling. In their nearly 50 years together, he and his wife traveled to 46 states. In recent years they went on fishing trips to Minnesota almost every year.

A quiet man, he had a ready smile, a quick sense of humor and a deep spiritual commitment. He enjoyed being active. While at work in Iowa City, he passed away on March 16, 1987.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline, a son, Kenneth of Sarasota, Fla.; a daughter, Edith (Mrs. Rufus) Kenagy of Garden City, Mo., two sisters, Sadie Yoder and Mary King, both of Kalona, a brother, John of Sarasota, Fla.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Robert, in 1955, a brother, Eli, and a sister, Ida King.

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon