Thomas O. King

Thomas O. King, 87, of Goshen, died Wednesday evening, October 3, 2012, at Greenleaf Living Center. He had been ill since 2008. He was born October 19, 1924 in Goshen, to Bert and Halcie (Simmons) King. He married the love of his life, Flora E. Recchio, October 29, 1955. She passed away January 16, 2002. Surviving are two children, Cynthia A. King of Bristol and Michael A. King of Chicago; and a sister, Julia (Donald) Megnin of Jamesville, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, and step-mother, Inez (Lehman) King. Tom served in the US Navy for three years spending most of his time on the Pacific Ocean. He was an avid traveler, trekking through Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and many destinations in the U.S. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus. Tom served as the President of the Board of Aviation Commissioners for the Goshen Air Center for 12 years. He loved to fly, logging over 1,000 hours of flight time. He and his wife, Flora, were former members at Maplecrest and Lake Fairways Country Clubs. They wintered in North Fort Myers, Florida, for over 20 years and enjoyed traveling together. Tom enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and watching sports, especially the Cubs, Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 7, 2012, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Rev. Father Anthony Steinacker officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Violett Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Oncology Department at Elkhart General Hospital.