Gene Edward King

Gene Edward King passed away in his sleep at his home on September 23, 2011. Although it was sudden, he had been in ill health for many years. Gene was born March 5, 1934 to Madge and Donald King in Cumberland, WI. Gene had a wonderful childhood on the farm, but he left there at age 18 and entered the Air Force. He and Maxine Miller were married on August 2, 1952 at the base chapel on Keesler AFB Biloxi, Mississippi right after his basic training. He served for 24 years in the military as an air traffic controller in the USAF and he loved his work. He was a Viet Nam vet. Upon retirement, he and the family moved to Yreka. Having been stationed at the base that was in Montague in the 1960s, he made up his mind that he wanted to return and live here in Siskiyou County. He and Maxine started a catering service and even though their children Scott, Bryan, and Kerry had their own jobs, they helped to make it a success. They also had the best staff in the food service business. Gene loved fishing, photography, gardening, and traveling. Gene never met a stranger and he had many friends. When he started traveling back to WI for his mother’s birthday each year in the fall, he became re-connected with many family members and his roots. Those were happy times. He was proud of his Irish ancestry, was lucky enough to visit Ireland in his later years, and to kiss the Blarney Stone.. He and Maxine were able travel to many places, and had life experiences that were very special. One of them was when they hosted a daughter and son of Spanish friends for several years while they studied here, and graduated from SOU in Ashland. Rolando and Margui became part of our family. Surviving are wife Maxine, son Scott (Brenda), son Bryan (Juliet); seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sister Fran Waite of WI; brother Don King (Randy) of TX; Spanish daughter Margui (Trent) of Denver (who has become an American citizen), Spanish son Rolando of Zaragoza, Spain; loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Clarence; brother Marvin; and daughter Kerry. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 1st at the First Southern Baptist Church 921 So. Oregon St. with Pastor Bruce Swetnam officiating. Lunch to follow in the fellowship hall in the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of CA 5675 Telegraph Road, #230 Los Angeles, Ca 90040. American Cancer Society, or charity of your choice. Special thanks to Girdner’s and Harvey for their caring guidance and services.

Gene Edward King

March 5, 1934 - September 23, 2011