Joe King

Joe D. King, 75, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, June 18, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center with his family at his bedside. Joe suffered a stroke while camping, his favorite activity. He fought a courageous battle for nine weeks in the critical care unit.

He was born July 20, 1934, in Cape Girardeau, the son of J.D. and Clara J. Abernathy King.

He and Mary M. "Marty" Fulton were married March 20, 1960, at Red Star Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Joe was a graduate of Central High School.

He served two years in the Navy Seabees. He was in the reserves for 16 years.

Joe was a heavy equipment operator. He retired from Drury Construction. He previously worked for Burton Gerhardt Construction.

Joe loved to camp. He had numerous camping buddies and loved visiting and telling jokes with them.

Survivors include his wife, Mary M. "Marty" King of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Mary Jo (Don) Way of Cape Girardeau, Sheila (Ricky) Pecaut of Jackson; two sisters, Shirley J. King of St. Louis and Sue Dozier of Jackson; a grandson, "R.J." Richard Joseph Bradley Peel.

He'll be missed by his companion, his dog Duke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Judith Kay King.

Services will be held for the immediate family at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Missouri Humane Society or Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.