Joseph “Joe” Franklin King, age 94, of Springfield, MO, was born September 1, 1917, in Webster County, MO, to Joseph and Daisy (Young) King. He went to his heavenly home on September 9, 2011 , while in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, MO. Joe and Viola Potter were married on May 31, 1941 by his uncle , the Reverend Mark King, in Marionville, MO. They were privileged to have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.
After having served in the Army in WWII as a member of the Medical Corps, driving an ambulance known as the “Missouri Mule”, Joe received a Bronze Star for service in Europe, the Normandy Invasion, and the Battle of the Bulge. He served his country from December 1942 to December 1945.
Joe retired in 1979 after working 30 years as an auto mechanic and service station attendant. He was a lifetime charter member of VFW Post 3404, serving the Post in many positions and was involved with the “Buddy Poppy “ program for many years. Joe was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church , where he met his future wife Viola in 1940.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herman, Howard, and Billy; sisters, Edith, Iva Lee, and Maxine.
He is survived by his wife Viola ; his four children, Glenda Jo (Tommy) Pike, Springfield, MO, James King of Marco Island, FL. , Jackie (Monica) King of Plano, TX., Debra (Randy) Cox of Nixa, MO, and former daughter- in- law Karen Stokes of Golden, CO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren Tonya Pike, Jennifer (Jon) Szpiszar, Jackie King, Jr., Julie (Brian) Roach, Melissa King, Jill (Jeremy) Kirkwood , and Nikki Cox; 10 great- grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO with Rev. Doug Shivers officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boulevard Baptist Church , 1030 South Eastgate, Springfield MO 65809 and/ or Ozarks Honor Flight PO Box 3500 Springfield, MO 65808.