Obituary

Newton Kansan, March 15, 2011


NEWTON — John Franklin King, 95, died on Friday (March 11, 2011) at Kansas Christian Home in Newton.
He was born on Sept. 28, 1915, in Chanute to John Henry and Maggie (Meyers) King. He married Margaret Jane Fugate of Newton on June 2, 1940. She preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 2005.
He was an active member of the Newton business community for many years. In 1943, he entered a partnership in the Newton Appliance Co. at 624 Main St. (formerly the Rich Mercantile Co.) and was associated with that business until 1983. He was recognized by the Maytag Co. at his retirement that year for more than 50 years of service. He continued his lifetime career, begun in his teens and spanning more than 70 years, with King's Appliance Service, repairing washers, dryers and small appliances in his shop at the back of his home on East Second Street until spring 2009, when he became a resident of Kansas Christian Home.
He enjoyed hunting and bowling, and in 1981, he was named to the Newton Men's Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Elks and Salem United Methodist Church.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan LaForge of San Jose, Calif., and Jackie Arnold of Destin, Fla.; a grandson, D'Arcy LaForge; a son-in-law, John LaForge; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home. Pastor Nancy Crowl will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton