Junior King

Junior Ollie King , 97, of Cape Girardeau moved on to his Heavenly home Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

He was born in Ardeola Nov. 27, 1926, to Ollie and Fronia Collins King.

He married Doretta Jean Clements of Bell City on May 20, 1950, this month being their 74th anniversary. His wife preceded him in death just 11 days prior on April 19, 2024.

Together, they had four children: Deborah (Bill) Schaefer of Cincinnati; Terry King of Cedar Hill, Tennessee; and Blane King and Jean Ann King, both of Jackson. They were further blessed with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Junior was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving on two destroyers during World War II — DD684 USS Wedderburn and DD541 USS Yarnall — in addition to the USS Florence Nightingale.

He had been a faithful member of Cape Girardeau Nazarene Church since 1951, serving as usher and assisting his wife in the senior ministry numerous years. He was a lifetime VFW member. His interests were traveling, especially to Hawaii, fishing and having a thriving garden for 70 years.

Junior retired from Marquette Cement plant after 40 years, and then delivered vehicles for Cape Honda for 20 more years.

He is survived by all four children; a brother, James T. Smith of Advance; niece, Justina King Crites of Jackson; nephew, Jerry King of Fruitland; and niece, Pam Smith of Advance.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 7, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will begin at noon Tuesday, May 7, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kim Smith officiating. Entombment will be private in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.