Earl J King

PEKIN ~ Earl King, 81 of Pekin passed away at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at his home.

Born April 28, 1931 in Harold, KY to Shiller and Ardelia (Stevens) King, he married Elsie Kay Hallar on October 8, 1955 in Hernando, MS.   She survives.

Also surviving two daughters, Kathy (Doug) Daniel of Pekin, Sheri (David)  Ledgerwood of Manito; three grandchildren, Jarrod Messman of St. Louis, Tim Mahnesmith and Sarah Mahnesmith, both of Pekin; one sister, Nora Robertson of Waxahachie TX; one half brother,  Jack Thomas, of Harold, KY; two half sisters, Eva Nell Justice of Harold, KY and Sarah Stevens of Louisa, KY; a niece, Maggie Howell of Harold, KY along with many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; three sisters; one half brother and one half sister.

Earl was in the Illinois Army National Guard 44th Infantry Division.  He was then activated for duty in 1952 and sent to Camp Cook, California.  Later, he was sent to Germany where he served from February 15, 1952 until January 21, 1954.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin.

Earl had worked at American Distillery in Pekin for 30 years until 1980.  He then worked as a welder at Crescent Forge and Shovel in Havana along with growing and selling produce.

He had been an assistant Boy Scout leader in the 1960s.  Earl loved his God, family and country.  In his younger years, he also loved hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing with his family.

Earl had been a member of the William Schafer Post #44 American Legion in Pekin.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  The Rev. Mark Miller will officiate.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Military honors will be provided by Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the Military Funeral Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church, 711 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 or to Dreams for Seniors, 514 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 or to Hospice Compassus, 2000 W. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 24, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com