Clarence “Pete” E. King
Clarence “Pete” E. King, 90, of Sullivan, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.
Clarence Ernest King was born on January 14, 1934, in Leasburg, Missouri, to Royal and Irene (Ellis) King. Pete's early education took place in the one-room Possum Hollow School in Leasburg, he then transferred to Bourbon High School, graduating with the class of 1952. Shortly after graduation, Pete proudly served his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard where he served for twelve years.
On June 2, 1956, Pete married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jost, and together they embarked on a journey that would take them to various towns including Tipton and Clarksville, Missouri. Pete's skilled hands and keen eye for detail led him to a successful career as a bricklayer. Eventually, Pete and Dorothy settled back in Sullivan, where they started their family, welcoming two sons, Mike and Kelly.
In 1981, Pete's entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he became self-employed with King Masonry. He owned and operated his business for 40 years, building a legacy of craftsmanship and integrity before passing the reins to his son Kelly. Even in what some might call retirement, Pete was a familiar sight on job sites, always ready to supervise and lend his expertise. Pete's work was not just a job; it was his art. He completed many custom brick homes in the Washington, Missouri area. Pete exemplified the values of commitment and brotherhood as a member of the Bricklayers Local 1, with over 50 years in the union. Remarkably, he continued to lay brick until the age of 80, demonstrating an enduring passion for his trade.
Beyond his professional life, Pete was a man who cherished time with his family. He ensured that vacations with his wife and boys were a priority growing up. Summer was the time for whirlwind vacations spending hours in the car travelling all over the country. An avid fisherman, Pete loved to go fishing in the waters of Paradise Cove at Table Rock Lake, often accompanied by his brother, Alvin. Later, the “lake house” became a favorite hangout, fishing throughout the day and playing mean games of dominoes after dark. He also enjoyed trout fishing at Montauk State Park, Taney Como, Meramec Springs, and White River. One of his fishing activities was keeping Dorothy’s hook baited and her fish strung.
Pete and Dorothy also often vacationed with his brothers: Gene, Alvin, Wilber, and their wives. At home, he took pride in his yard, which was always kept immaculate, and he loved hosting family gatherings on the patio. BBQs and fish frys were among his favorite occasions, surrounded by loved ones and filled with laughter and good food.
Pete's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He attended church throughout his adolescence at Crossroads Baptist Church of Leasburg and later moved his membership to New Testament in Sullivan. He also served as a trustee at First Baptist in Bourbon for many years. He loved traditional hymns and actually sang in a gospel quartet for several years. Until the end he loved to praise the Lord in song. Tyler and Triston were grandpa’s guitar accompaniment the last couple of years when he was unable to attend church.
Pete is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Dorothy King of Sullivan, Missouri; two sons, Mike King and wife Gina of Sullivan and Kelly King and wife Tracy of Sullivan, Missouri; six grandchildren: Jessicca Strube, Becky Alexander and husband Cyrus, Micaela King, Tyler King, Todd King and Triston King; two step grandchildren, Shaylin Phillips and husband James and Stephanie Hulsey and husband Brett; 15 great grandchildren: Ian, Austin, Jakx, Ryker, Tate, Landon, Fischer, Finley, Boone, Hunter, Conner, Spencer, Kale, Kori and Ryan; two sisters, Alice Ray and Betty Schaefer; two sisters in law, Dixie Jost and Joyce King; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Irene King; five brothers: Edward King, James King and wife Golden, Alvin King and wife Ina, Wilber King and wife Irene and Gene King and wife Norma; four sisters: Ethal Bodie and husband Robert, Vi Sappington and husband Ray, Alma Woods and husband Roy and Marie Adams and husband Lloyd; parents in law, Ambrose and Anna Jost; five brother in laws: Maurice Ray, Chuck Schaefer, Tommy Jost, Henry Jost and David Jost; and three sister in laws: Erma Farmer, Minnie Payne and husband Billy Jo and Mary Dennis and husband Art.
Funeral Services will be 11 AM, Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Leasburg, Missouri with Pete’s son, Pastor Mike King officiating. Family will also receive friends starting at 10 AM, prior to the funeral service on Wednesday. Interment will follow at the Crossroads Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00pm Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Friends may also send their online condolences to Pete’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.