From: Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors
To: john.king@morrisbb.net
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2012 6:39 PM
Subject: OBITUARY FOR: John Carlyle King

OBITUARY FOR: John Carlyle King

ETOWAH: John Carlyle King, 81, of Etowah, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital. He was born in the southern tip of the Texas boarder of Mexico in Rio Hondo, TX to the late John King and Helen Ives King.

After meeting his partner of 62 years, Barbara McDonald in Washington, D.C., he served as a Drill Instructor in San Diego. In January of 1953, he went to Korea with the First Marine Division of the Seventh Marine Battalion. From there he’s true passion was realized as he began his career in helicopters with HMX-1 as Crew Chief for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Prior to his stint in Vietnam with Squadron 261, he was called to action in the spring of 1961 in what became known as the Bay of Pigs. Upon his return from heavy action in Vietnam, he continued with HMX-1 as Crew Chief for President Lyndon B. Johnson. Commissioned as a Lieutenant, he served as Maintenance Officer until retirement. He continued his career with helicopters through as a Sikorsky field representative for the various branches of the military.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara King; his loving children, Storme A. King of Columbia, MD, Jan Decker and her husband, Marvin, of Plant City, FL, and Patricia Green and her husband, Jeffrey, of Matthews. He also leaves behind two adoring grandchildren, Coley and Amelea Greene.

Just as John was faithful to his country, family and friends so were his two best buddies, Bassett Hounds, Thumper and Patches.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Daniel Timmerman, Dr. Robert Ward and the nursing staff and Pardee Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel. At a later date a private ceremony will be held in the Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception to be held at the American Legion, Hubert M. Smith Post 77, 216 4th Ave, Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Friends for Life Forever Farm, PO BOX 340, Sapphire, NC 28774.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.
John was on a Task with me on Okinawa at Kadena 53 Unit. He filled the billet in his usual Professional Marine manner. God Speed Good Marine PM