Charles King

Charles Arthur King of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the age of 97, while inpatient at Kettering Medical Health. After several months of declining health, Charles entered eternal rest peacefully with his beloved family at his side.

Charles was born on December 29, 1925, to Father Robert W. King and Mother Louettila Perry in Louisville, Kentucky. He was taught the Word of God at an early age and developed a love for singing. At the age of 17, he was drafted to serve with the United States Navy during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. Upon his honorable discharge. Charles worked diligently for 71 years prior to retirement from Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Charles worked hard in construction, building many subdivisions and homes in Dayton, Cincinnati, Kettering, and several mansions in the city of Oakwood, Ohio. Charles matriculated in everything his heart passioned for.  He held many certifications in architecture, design, civil engineering, core engineering, planning, and many others too numerous to tell.

Charles met the love of his life, Edith Lidge while living in Middletown, Ohio, in the year 1946; not realizing 2 years later she would become his beloved wife. It was a love affair that lasted 64 years. The love of the King household spilled outside their physical doors and many children within the community were welcomed and made to feel like family.

It was in 1955, that Charles became an active member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Charles continued his work in the body of Christ and served in many ministries. He was a member of the Deacon Board, Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Senior Choir, Mass Choir, and Male Chorus where he served diligently and passionately. Charles also sang with quartet groups and was honored to background James Cleveland on many occasions.

Charles was a wonderful Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Great-Great Grandfather, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. He never met a stranger due to his big smile and bubbly personality. He enjoyed singing, praying, reading, bowling, cooking on the grill, fishing, hunting, whistling, talking on CB radio, landscaping, and building anything from the ground up. Charles was a diligent worker throughout his lifetime. He was strong and endured his sickness with strength, determination, and courage….never complaining but maintaining his faith in God and desire to live. Charles was a loving soul, always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone who needed him…heaven’s gain is our lost.

Charles leaves a legacy of love and devotion to cherish his memory by sons Larry (Sheryl) King of Southfield, Michigan, Michael (Elaine) King of Fairborn, Ohio, daughter Beverly King of Fayetteville, Georgia, sister Doris Louise Nixon of Mt. Healthy, Ohio, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bye of Palm Coast, Florida, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  He is predeceased by his loving wife, Edith King, daughter Valery Bell, parents, 3 brothers, and 5 sisters.

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