William “Bill” D. King, 96, formerly of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away October 8, 2019 at Hospice in Defiance, Ohio with his daughter by his side. He went to be with the Lord, his loving wife and other family members. He was born August 17, 1923 in Deshler, Ohio to William and Elizabeth King. In 1939 he moved to North Baltimore, Ohio where he helped run the King’s Saw Mill until entering the U.S. Navy in 1943 during World War II serving aboard LST 1030 as a Carpenter’s mate 3rd class.
He was married for 67 years to the love of his life, Virginia Northrup. They had one daughter Beverly Gonzales, one grandson Jeffery William King Gonzales and three great-grandchildren Allison Marie, Emmanuel King and Israel King Gonzales all of Bryan, Ohio. He is also survived by a foster son Joe (Trina) Hagemeyer of Hoytville, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill retired from construction in 1980 when he moved to Ocala, Florida. In 1993 he and his wife returned to Bowling Green to be closer to family. He then worked for Gypsy Lane Estates. Bill could be seen doing various jobs and driving his rusty brown truck until he retired in 2018. One of Bill’s greatest enjoyments was taking a trip to Washington, D.C. in 2008 with Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio. You could hear him talk about his trip and how great the program was while he shared pictures with many of his friends.
Bill was a 70 year member of Carpenter’s Union Local 351, a 60 year member of Masonic Lodge #561 North Baltimore, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, Life member of North Baltimore American Legion Post #539 and Portage Arbor Gleaners. Bill’s love for people showed in every walk of life. He enjoyed working and showing younger people how to do many skills he learned throughout his life. He also enjoyed camping all over the United States with his wife, traveling with his daughter and the joys of his family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, seven sisters Alma (Peggy), Velma, Ina, Erma, Florence, Helen, Mary, and two brothers Elwood and George.
His funeral service will be held on Friday October 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. Pastor Andrea Curry will officiate. Interment will follow at Wood County Memory Gardens in Bowling Green where Military Honors will be rendered by the North Baltimore American Legion. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 10, 2019 at Dunn Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Masonic service will be held Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
No flowers please! Bill said “flowers are for the living not the dead.” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in his memory to the North Baltimore Masonic Lodge, the North Baltimore American Legion, Trinity United Methodist Church or visit a friend and take them flowers.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the King family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
