Marian Claire King

Marian C. King, 92, passed away peacefully in Yorba Linda, CA on January 7, 2020 surrounded by the love of her family and the loving family of Hospice caregivers. Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Marian was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Byron, and her son Terrence.  

Born in Neola, Iowa, Marian was the eldest daughter of Joseph and Grace O’Connor’s five children. She spent her early years in Nebraska before relocating with her family in 1941 to Phoenix, Arizona, a place she called home.  Marian graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix at the end of World War II when the young men were returning home from the war. While attending Arizona State University she met Byron, one of those courageous sailors, who became her future husband of nearly 60 years. One of her fondest memories was of her dad’s displeasure when Byron showed up at her house to pick her up for their first date in a pair of Levi jeans which were just becoming popular. They married a year and a half later and became the proud parents of eight children. Surviving Marian are seven of their children; Kathy (Lee) Hutchison, Karen (Randy) Johnston, Michael (Jan) King, Linda (Gordon) Carter, Sandi Turnbull, Rob (Helen) King, and Dan (Yoli) King. elen(

 Marian and Byron moved their family to Fullerton and then Placentia, California in 1965, making that their permanent home for over 50 years.  With Marian’s assistance, Byron began a very successful tire business in Mission Viejo, which today is still family-owned. Marian kept very busy raising their children, volunteering, and eventually attending Cal State Fullerton to refresh her skills.  She was employed for fifteen years at Beckman Instruments in Fullerton, becoming an Administrative Assistant. 

Upon retirement, Marian and Byron loved to travel, enjoying several cruises with a group of friends to destinations such as France, Alaska and the Panama Canal.  They also loved music and would dance many evenings to artists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis. 

Marian was an avid reader and kept up with the latest news reading both the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register.  She loved watching Jeopardy, proud that she could get many of the answers.

Marian played the piano and every Christmas Eve would bring the ever-growing family into the Christmas celebration playing “Silent Night” as one of the grandchildren carried in Baby Jesus for the grand finale.

The essence of Marian’s life were her children, her 22 grandchildren and her 30 great-grandchildren children. She loved fiercely, cared deeply and cherished evenly.    She always made room in her heart and at her table for anyone. She was kind and generous. Marian will be greatly missed but she will continue to be a source of strength and love for her family and friends.