Kenneth C. King, 66

June 03, 2009

-JUNE 1, 2009

WOLFSVILLE, Md. - Kenneth Claude (Joker) King, 66, of Wolfsville, died suddenly on Monday, June 1, 2009, of a massive heart attack while enjoying golf with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Phyllis Michael King, and his two sons and their families: Neal Allan King and wife, Staci, and sons, Matthew and Ryan, and Todd Michael King and wife, Stacy, and daughter, Grace. He is also survived by his mother, Imogene King, his sister, Annie Kronk and her husband, Gene, and his brother, John King, and his wife, Tina Sayler King.

Born in Wolfsville, Mr. King was the son of Una Imogene Lewis King and the late Kenneth King.

He was a graduate of Middletown High School and attended Frostburg State University prior to his career in business.

For the last 42 years of his career, he worked at Noland Co., starting as a warehouse worker in the Hagerstown branch, moving to outside sales and eventually to manager of the Frederick Complex in 1977.

Known for his candor and forceful directness, he led Frederick to sustained profitable growth, with that complex attaining one of the largest and most successful operations in the country. In 1998, he was tapped for promotion as vice president of marketing and branch operations at Noland's corporate headquarters in Newport News,Va., and made a member of the board of directors. During his tenure, he led the organization to its highest level of success in company history.

Mr. King retired from Noland Co. in 2005, and enjoyed his last few years as Pappy to his three grandchildren, spending as much time as possible with them and entertaining them with new adventures daily. Other neighborhood children knew him as Pap, and all enoyed fishing and swimming in the King's cabin pond, and the special name he created for everyone. His famous cookouts at King Kids' Creek, which he and his sons created for the children, were the highlight of summer days.

He will be sadly missed by his friends, including Rick and Helen Reynolds, and John and Nikki Mallery, and their children, Kenny and Erin, and all who knew him well.

Funeral services will be held at Mr. King's church, Garfield United Methodist, 13628 Stottlemyer Road, Smithsburg, MD 21783, beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, with Pastor Katie Bishop officiating.

The family will receive friends and relatives at Ricketts Funeral Home, 504 Main St., Myersville, from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. King's name may be made to the American Heart Association, 415 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 or The Garfield United Methodist Church.

|

|

|