H

arold King, 78, of Niles, passed away at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at his home.

Harold’s life began on Oct. 22, 1930, in Dowagiac, the son of Julius and Lulene (Elliott) King.

He was united in marriage to the former Barbara Carter on Nov. 16, 1950, at the Federated Church in Dowagiac.

Harold was employed by Dowagiac Lumber and Coal Co. and for Judd Lumber Co. for many years.

He enjoyed making wooden cabinets for many people’s homes and he made lots of craft items from wood.

He loved to fish and camp up north at Cranberry Lake with his late wife, Barbara.

Harold enjoyed putting together puzzles with his whole family.

He was a member of the Dowagiac Eagles.

His loving family includes: his children, Steve (Laura) King of Niles, Ronald Ottinger of Niles, Barbara Jean (Douglas) Brown of Niles, Chester King of Rhode Island, Michael King of Niles, Billy (Shelly) King of Buchanan and Diana Jeffrey of Niles; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy White of Dowagiac; a brother, Dean King of Indiana; and companion Bev Vance of Dowagiac.

Harold is preceded in death by his wife Barbara in 2004, children Bruce, Rodney and Junior King, sister Alice Elliott and brothers Kenny King, Paul King, Richard King, Clare King, Bob King and Julius King.

His family will receive friends on Friday from 5 to 8 pm. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday led by Pastor Scott Labbe.

He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, following the service.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Borgess Hospice.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Harold at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.