June King passed away at the age of 90, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, after a short battle with pneumonia. He was born on May 8, 1921 to Elmo and Kella King in Peel, Ark. He married Alma Copelin of Protem, MO on Oct. 4, 1941. They had 5 children: Mary, Hugh, Lewis Dale (deceased at birth) and twin daughters, Caroline (deceased at birth) and Katherine. He worked on building the Bull Shoals Dam in the area which is a resort area now. In 1952 the family moved to Yakima, WA to have a better life and employment.
Along with his wife Alma they worked in the orchards and warehouses in the Gleed area. He was employed by the Naches School District as a custodian and bus driver. He retired after 26 years. His wife Alma died in 1975. He enjoyed fishing with his son and camping for many years. He talked with his brother, Mervyn, every day about growing up in the Ozark mountains. He loved to tell stories and had a quick smile. He was a member of the Gleed Valley Assembly of God Church. June laughed a lot and everyone around him enjoyed his humor. He was a self-taught guitar player and sang with a high lonesome sound. He played music with his grandson Johnny and brother Mervyn. He taught his grandson how to play the guitar. He loved and enjoyed "the babies," as he called them. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends at Fred Meyer most every day before he became ill. He will be missed by all who knew him. He had made his home with his daughter Kathy for the past 12 years.
He is survived by his son Hugh King (Pat), Kathy Mieras (John) and grandchildren, Lynda Smith, Jason King, Tammy Robertson, Johnny Mieras and Amanda McGuire; nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; brothers Mervyn King and Edward King of Ark. and sister Virgie of Ark. His oldest daughter Mary Sweet passed away on June 4, 2011. We all miss and love him very much.
Services will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park on June 28, 2011 at 11:00 am.