OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Edward James King, 88, of Osage City, Kan., passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kan. He was born March 29, 1931, in Peterton, Kan., the son of David Thomas and Elizabeth Gasser King.
Ed attended Peterton Grade School and later graduated from Osage City High School with the class of 1948.
Ed married the love of his life, Wanda Aileen Steinhoff, on Oct. 14, 1950, in Osage City, Kan.
He proudly served his country entering the U.S. Air Force on March 25, 1952. His service would include time at Parks Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base and Chanute Air Force Base before receiving his honorable discharge on March 24, 1956.
Ed and Wanda would return to Osage City and made their home together on their farm just north of town. While farming and raising cattle, Ed took a position as parts manager with Dale Williams Ford. He would later serve in the same capacity for Shield Motor Company and Holthaus Motors. After retirement, Ed worked part time at the funeral chapel in Osage City for five years.
He was a devoted member of the Osage City United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School for more than 50 years. Ed also served as lay speaker and youth leader, and spent time on numerous church committees throughout his lifetime. Ed served as a Boy Scout leader and was an Order of The Arrow Silver Beaver 50-year pin recipient. His dedication to family and youth was evident through his activity with the PTA and numerous civic committees. Ed also shared his time as a youth baseball and softball coach. His community service included time spent on the Farm Bureau Osage Zone Committee, and calling on the ill and shut ins for the church.
He will live on in the hearts and memories of his wife, Wanda, of their home; two daughters, Marsha Cummins, her husband, Bruce, Spring Hill, Kan., and Aileen Carlson and husband, Chris, Osage City; two sons, Michael King, and Jeffrey King and his wife, Kareen, all of Osage City; two sisters, Mary Herzog, Ellsworth, Kan., and Judy Griffin, Independence, Mo.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and dear friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David King.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at the Osage City United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Osage City Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Osage City United Methodist Church or the Boy Scouts of America and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel at 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523.
