Joseph "Joe" King
November 13, 2012
Joseph “Joe” Henry King of West Des Moines passed away on November 13, 2012. While you may not have had the opportunity to know him, he was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and in the early 50’s, he answered our nation’s call when he was drafted into the Army. He served proudly in the Korean War and worked his way up to the amazing rank of Sergeant First Class. He had the opportunity to make the Army his career, but he chose another path.
Upon his return from the Army, Joe attended Arkansas State College (now University) and earned his degree in business. He was working in Memphis, TN, when he had a blind date with a beautiful girl who turned out to be the love of his life. Joe and Jo Ann married in March, 1958, and it was a love for the ages. Joe was an outstanding salesman for the Dodge Division of McGraw Hill, and he even earned the honor of Salesman of the Year for the company in 1973, 1979, and 1983; however, his family was always his first priority. Joe and Jo Ann never left each other’s side and were together until the end. Both of them are so proud of their two sons and the daughters (in-law) who joined the family. Joe bragged about being the grandfather of five wonderful granddaughters and three great-grandsons.
Everyone who knew Joe knew his fantastic sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke. For those of you who knew him, please remember his smile and his love to make everyone laugh. For those of you who didn’t get the opportunity to know Joe, please know that the world is a better place because he was in it.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Emma King, one brother, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jo Ann; his sons, Trent (Marcie) of Wellsville, UT, and Randy (Kathy) of North Las Vegas, NV; and many loving family members.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 17th, at West Des Moines United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the church starting at 9:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to Wounded Warrior Project (PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675), or West Des Moines United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com