FRANKLIN
A World War II, U.S. Army, POW Veteran
Mr. Donald Joe King, age 100 (12 days short of his 101st birthday), of Franklin, Indiana formerly of Jefferson County, Indiana. He was a longtime resident of Franklin and entered this life on May 10, 1923 the son of the late Homer Rupert and Telma V. (Stucker) King in Jefferson County, Indiana. He was raised in Saluda near Hanover and graduated from Saluda high School in 1941. He farmed early in life and on July 3, 1948 Don was united in marriage to Betty Lou (McDonald) at the New Prospect Baptist Church near Hanover, Indiana. This happy union of 75 years was blessed with their six children, Shirley, Jerry, Cindy, Rebecca, Melody, and Susan.
Don was inducted into the United States Army on February 20, 1943 at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served in the 106th Division, Infantry and had served as an MP and a Quarter Master during his tenure in the Army. On October 21, 1944 he was sent overseas during World War II and fought in the battles and campaigns of the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Don was captured in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge and was a Prisoner of War, he was able to survive for three months until the American Forces liberated the German imprisonment camp. He was honorably discharged at the rate of Corporal on November 28, 1945 from Camp Atterbury, Indiana receiving the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the armed enemy during World War II in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations. His other military honors include: M-1 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Ribbon with three bronze battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the World War II Victory Medal. In September of 2015, Donald was fortunate enough to be able to go on the Indy Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and on June 8, 2021 the City of Madison, Indiana, honored him with the John Menke Service Award for his tremendous service in the Army, which he was humbled and proud to receive. Don worked at the Jefferson Proving Ground, the Charlestown Ammunition Plant, Whirlpool Corporation testing ammunition at Camp Atterbury, before ending up and retiring from Allied Signal (formally known as Norplex) in 1986. After retirement, he worked part time for the Franklin Parks Department. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, keeping track of the daily temperature high and lows as well as rainfall and snow amounts, and of course he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donald was a former deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at New Prospect Baptist Church near Hanover, Indiana. He was a current member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin where he served as an usher for 30 years. He also held membership in the American Legion Post No. 205, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, Indiana Hoosier Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge WW II Central Indiana Chapter No. 47, Weather watcher for WISH-TV, and former member of the Lions Club. Donald passed peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 5:59 a.m. at the Franklin Masonic Home in Franklin, Indiana with his loving family at his side.
Donald will be missed by his loving children, Jerry King and his wife, Jane of Greenwood, Indiana, Cindy King of Franklin, Indiana, Melody Jordan and her husband, Chuck of Cumberland, Indiana, Susan Smith and her husband, Steve of Madison, Indiana; his son in law, Dana DePrez of Franklin, Indiana; his grandchildren, Andy DePrez (Laura), Josh King, Alaina Green (Scott), Dr. Brittany Jordan, Sam Smith (Hailey), and Sarah Smith; his great grandchildren, Callum, Declan, and Romilly Green, and Wyatt Smith; his sisters in law, Marie King of Rushville, Indiana, Anna L. Gray of Pekin, Indiana; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Homer Rupert King, died August 8, 1946, his mother, Telma V. (Stucker) King, died December 4, 1989, his beloved wife of 75 years, Betty Lou (McDonald) King, died September 27, 2023, his loving infant daughter, Rebecca Sue King, died July 10, 1956, his loving daughter, Shirley June (King) DePrez, died July 29, 2018, his brother, Delbert Owen King, died December 21, 1999 and his wife, Kate, died November 17, 1982, his brother, Arlan Knowlton “Bud” King, died April 10, 2021, his loving sister, Gloria Alden King, died June 22, 2003, his great niece, Kylie Anne Kireta, died September 17, 2017, his brothers in law, Loren Gray, died June 11, 2016, John William McDonald, died August 19, 2009, and James Orville McDonald, died February 26, 1989.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 12:30 p.m., by Pastor Joe Sanford at the Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Drive in Franklin, Indiana. A Sunset interment will follow on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the New Prospect Cemetery near Hanover, Indiana. Friends and family will gather on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Drive in Franklin, Indiana. Friends and family will gather on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre-Hanover Chapel with procession to follow to New Prospect Cemetery near Hanover, Indiana.
MILITARY HONORS
A final salute and military honors will be provided by the Fort Knox Ceremonial Unit and the Major Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to New Prospect Cemetery. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover or at the church. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com
The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the loving care provided to Mr. King at the Indiana Masonic Home by the care-givers and staff.
