David Thomas King

David (Dave) Thomas King of St Johns, Michigan passed away peacefully at the age of 81, December 6th 2025 after a long battle with dementia. He had family and all the ladies at Divine Nest of Perry, Michigan at his side.

Dad was born on August 5th of 1944 to Eleanor and James King of Owosso, Michigan. He has always been a loving and dedicated son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.

Dad graduated from Owosso High School and started his adult life going to art school. He was then drafted into the Air Force during the Vietnam war. He was stationed in England where he met my mom Jeannette McMaster. They married in Corby, England and moved to the states in the beginning of 1970. They had two children, Sharon (Patrick) Mireles and Lee (Kim) King. Our mom passed suddenly in January 1973. Dad eventually moved on to marry Mary Badeaux and gained three daughters, Julie Cory, Marie Welter and Monique Hicks. Mary also passed in June of this year.

Dad proudly retired from Fisher Body after over 30 years of service. After he retired if he wasn't home he was golfing. He would golf with whoever was free any chance he had. He picked up the love of golf when he was stationed in England in the Air Force. When he returned he convinced our Grandpa King to go golfing with him and that was the end of Grandma seeing Grandpa around the house. It was also the beginning of the "King Family Golf Outing" was in the early 70's, and went on every summer until the last one in about 2006. As much as dad loved golf he also loved a pitcher or two at the 19th hole! Anyone who was with dad couldn't help but have a good time. He had his golf clubs all decked out in Spartans. He bled green! Bag, gold club covers and anything else he got his hands on that was anything Spartans. If you came into the house with Michigan attire, you may as well turn right around. It wasn't too often that you saw him without some piece of Spartan wear on. A Spartan through and through. When he passed, we made sure he was in his Spartans wear right down to his socks. I know he appreciated that. He was pretty artistic too. When he was still working he picked up whittling things out of wood. It became a hobby of his for years. Little boots, spheres inside squares, chain links and eventually a duck. We never knew what he was going to carve but it was always a masterpiece!

Dad loved spending time with his brothers and sisters. He had a twin sister Diane (Gary) Miller who was his fierce protector. Two older siblings, Nancy (Dave) Yanik and Jim (Pat) King who preceded Dad in passing. Two younger siblings, Janie (Jim) Collins and Marty (Patty) King.

Dad's heart was so big, it didn't matter if we were blood related or not he loved us all just the same. He could make anyone laugh and feel comfortable around him. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He just loved kids!

Your light, love and laughter will be forever missed Dad. You seldom let anything bring you down. And anyone that knew you, knew life wasn't always easy for you. May you rest in peace and finally get your hole in one!

Love you so much Dad.