KING, Donald D. (1943-2019)

KING

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 11/29/2019 at 12:28:48

Donald Dennis King
(November 21, 1943 - November 24, 2019)

Donald Dennis King was born November 21, 1943 to Fay Dennison and Pauline (Chumbley) King at the Indianola Hospital. He passed away peacefully in Carolyn’s arms on November 24, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. He lived the majority of this life in Warren County. He completed Primary through Eighth grade at the same one-room country school (Craven) with the same teacher (Hazel Thorn) being in the last Eighth grade to graduate before school consolidation. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1962. On August 28, 1964, he married Carolyn Goering, the love of his life. They celebrated +55 years together. This union created two very special sons: David of Milo and Daniel of Indianola; 4 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great-grandchildren.
Don always loved farm life and farming. He was an FFA member all through high school. He had cattle even when they lived in West Des Moines. He baled hay on empty lots all over West Des Moines. He was a member of the National Angus Association. He finally found his farm east of New Virginia in 1975. He worked in the lumber business for +48 years beginning in 1962 working for Harlan Lumber after the tornado struck Indianola making deliveries and some office work. He worked briefly for Midwest Lumber in Cedar Rapids before beginning a long stay at Iltis Lumber Company in West Des Moines. There he worked in the office selling paint, hardware and lumber. He learned the art of estimation from his boss, mentor, friend, and second dad, Don Dahltorp. He finished his career estimating large commercial and residential projects for small as well as very large contractors all over Des Moines and surrounding suburbs. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and would tell us about all the projects he was working on and the people he met. He was a member of the Lumberman’s Association for several years. Carolyn remembers the hours he sat at the dining room table working on plans. He drew up the plans for their home and the house in Branson West, Missouri.
Don proudly served his country from 1966 – 1972 in the U.S. Army taking basic training and culinary school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served in the 103rd Support Brigade at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin and Fort Lee, Virginia and received his Honorable Discharge as Staff Sergeant.
Don’s family attended the New Virginia Christian Church for many years where he served on the board and Carolyn was secretary for many years. He currently was serving on the board of the New Virginia Manor. Don has always enjoyed hunting, fishing at Ahquabi, playing golf poorly but having a wonderful time with it. Don and Carolyn enjoyed going camping with friends and belonged to the Waggoners Camping Club where he was president for several years. They especially enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair and after retiring, they both began working there during the fair at the Elwell Food Center. He especially enjoyed working with his “partner in crime”, Keith Kirkpatrick and sampling Shelby’s winning pies! They have also enjoyed spending time at Branson and have a host of friends and neighbors there.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; sons David (special friend Shelly) and Daniel (special friend Tosha) King; brother Richard; mother-in-law, Norma Goering; brothers-in-law Alan and Merrill (Linda) Goering; sister-in-law Janella (Don) Sandy; grandchildren, Dillon, Dustin and Kelsey; step-grandchildren, Cody Edwards and Lacey (David) Jones; step-great-grandchildren, Ollivia and Elleott Wahman and Emberlynn Edwards; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Pauline; brother Raymond; and grandson, Darren. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/