Ronald King

West Sand Lake - Ronald King, 94, formerly of West Sand Lake, an accomplished painter, decorator and small business owner, has died peacefully at Medi-Lodge Skilled Nursing Facility in Howell, Michigan on January 27, 2016. 

He was born March 25, 1921 in the Town of West Sand Lake. The son of Warren and Blanche Welker King. After Blanche's sudden passing in 1924, Warren married Mary Hayner. Together they would lovingly raise Ronald and his stepsister, Catherine.

Ronald's grandfather Michael founded M. King and Sons of West Sand Lake in the 1890s. Warren King and his brother Leslie continued the business after Michael's death. Ron joined the business in 1939. Around 1960 Ron and Cousin Ray King took over the business, Ron worked 56 years until retiring at age 75. The family business succeeded thru 3 generations of Kings. The 100 year plus history of  M. King and Sons earned them a reputation of excellence throughout the Capital District.

He was a resident of West Sand Lake most of his life, a member of the West Sand Lake Fire Co. as well as the Salem United Methodist Church. Ron proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy's Seabees Construction Unit 81' Battalion from 1943-1946. Serving in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Throughout his time in the Navy Ron served in England, Scotland, Pearl Harbor, China and the Island of Samar in the Philippines.

In 1946 Ronald married Gloria M. Harrington, she precedes him in death after 58 years of marriage.

Always ready for a family clam steam or game of dominoes, Ron's memory will always bring a smile to those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include a son, Russell (Linda) King of West Sand Lake, NY; a daughter, Ava J. (David) Passino of Howell, MI.  He was the loving grandfather of Derick (Jennifer) King of Slingerlands, NY, Aimee (Dustin) Kot of E. Greenbush, NY, Kelly (Dennis) ltsell of Brighton, MI and Lindsay Passino of Brighton, Mi; great grandfather of Lena King, Reilly Kot, and Lila Kot and survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call at the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  4392 Route150 West Sand Lake on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 4-7 PM. 

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11AM at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Bush, officiating.

Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, West Sand Lake with full Military Honors. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made with appreciation in memory of Ronald W. King to Brighton Senior Center 850 Spencer Road Brighton, Michigan 48116.  

 Service Information