Ira Lee King

KING, Ira Lee Ira Lee King, 89, of Ruidoso, NM since 2005 passed away Friday, January 10, 2014 in Ruidoso. He was born August 27, 1924 in Franklin, OK. He moved to Arizona in the summer of 1941 after marrying Lorene Teague, the love of his life. They stayed in Arizona for a year before moving back to Oklahoma for a brief time and then returned to Arizona. They welcomed their first son, Gene, into their lives in October, 1943, three years later had a daughter, Carolyn and in another three years another son, Clifford. Ira worked at the Chandler school district for the next 40 years, managing the grounds for 8 schools and 1 major sports complex. He was so well thought of that they named the Maintenance Facility after him. Upon retirements, Ira and Lorene moved to Show Low, then to Payson and on to Mesa. Lorene passed away in August 2005. Ira moved to Ruidoso to be closer to Gene and Diane as they were about to retire and settle down. Not wanting to settle, he found himself involved in the Gideon's, his church in Ruidoso and local community. Ira went to be with his wife on Friday. He is survived by his 3 children, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 14, at the First Baptist Church in Ruidoso. Graveside services will be held Friday, January 17, 2014 at 10:00 am at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. For information, visit www.resthavenpark.com.