King, Fred 1872-1965

KING, BARBER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/30/2006 at 17:00:14

FRED KING DIES AT AGE OF 92

Special – Funeral services were held at the Union Baptist church at Burke, S.D., for Fred E. King, 92, of Lucas, S.D., who died April 14 [1965] at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joe Davis, of Burke.

Rev. Merle Wodden officiated and burial was in Graceland cemetery at Burke.

Mr. King was born Aug. 31, 1872, in Plymouth county. He was married to Edith Barber in 1910. They farmed for a number of years near Adaville, moving to a farm near Lucas, S.D., in 1925.

After retiring from farming, he and his wife moved to Lucas. Mrs. King died in 1962.

Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Joe (Nella Mae) Davis of Burke and Mrs. Elmer (Ollie) Smerling of Haysville, Kan.; two brothers, Abe of San Jose, Calif., and Vernon, of Merrill; two sisters, Mrs. Bessie L. LaBahn of Merrill and Mrs. Charles Brodie of LeMars and 13 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. King counted their friends by the score. Mr. King had a hobby of giving rolling pins to brides, a custom which began in 1925. His niece, Mrs. Ione Roggow was the first to receive one. Over the years he presented nearly 200 rolling pins to brides.

Mrs. King was his record keeper. Her files and clippings included some interesting information. Scrapbooks were filled with pictures of friends and relatives. After Mrs. King’s death, Mr. King continued with his hobbies of remembering brides, sending cards and writing to many people with whom he corresponded.

Each year on his birthday a family dinner was held, with an afternoon coffee hosted by the Neighborhood Club who honors their senior citizens.

A community picnic was held at Gregory, S.D., for Mr. King on his birthday each year.