Mesa, AZ - Joseph J. King Sr., 84, of Gridley, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2014, at his winter home in Mesa, AZ.
He was born June 12, 1930, in Chenoa, IL, a son of the late Joseph and Katie Roggy King. He married Clara Ruth Cordts in Gridley June 9, 1951. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Vicky (Ray) Peterson, Gridley; Michael, Eureka; Lynette (Jack) Murray, Pataskala, OH; Joseph J. III (Barb), Gridley; Sandra (Gaynor) Bridenbaugh, Grove, OK; Teresa (Don) Lulay, Salem, OR; Roger (Julie), Pontiac; 21 grandchildren (12 spouses); 38 great grandchildren; and a brother, Oliver King, Morton.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Gail; 6 brothers; and 2 sisters.
Joe farmed and raised stock for many years. After selling the last of his farms in 1973, he began building residential homes. A trade he was well versed in. In addition, he owned investment properties.
Joe had the opportunity to live his dream of traveling with Clara in their motor home for 10 years, and settling in AZ for the winters. In 2010 they settled in Mesa, AZ, at Apache Wells Retirement Community. Here they enjoyed many new friends, and attended Apache Wells Community Church. He was a member of Salem Church in Gridley, IL. Joe loved the time he spent playing pool with his Gridley buddies. He very much enjoyed relaxing in his Arizona home putting beautiful puzzles together, which he backed and framed for his family's treasures.
A Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, at Salem Church in Gridley with Rev. Stuart Rex officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 11, at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Interment will be in Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery prior to services. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Gideon's International.
Online Condolences may be directed to his family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com
Visitation
SEP
11.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)
Ruestman-Harris El Paso
40 West Main Street
El Paso, IL 61738-1561
Memorial Service
SEP
12.
11:00 AM (CDT)
Salem Church
Gridley, IL
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