Leland “Gramps” F. King, 91, of Coopers Mills, passed peacefully on Nov. 1 with his son and staff of the hospice unit at the Veterans Hospital in Togus by his side.
Leland was born in Jefferson on the family farm on June 1, 1922, the son of the late Leland S. and Hazel (Halpen) King. He graduated from Cony High School, class of 1940.
On Nov. 17, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army with the 102nd infantry Division “The Ozarks.” Leland served during WWII in the European Theater. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, and also received the Purple Heart when he was wounded in Flossdorf on Dec. 2, 1944.
When he was at Fort Dix Army Hospital, he met his future wife Marian, and a short while later, they married on June 29, 1946, in Forest City, Penn.
Leland was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on Oct. 9, 1945. He was very proud of his military service during WWII, and he was a life member of the 102nd Infantry Division “The Ozarks.”
Leland was self-employed for more than 48 year, selling and installing lightning rods.
Leland was a life member at the Coopers Mills Volunteer Fire Department, and the Whitefield Lions Club, was an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed the daily visits at the shed with the “Sheddars.” He was a diehard Republican. It didn’t matter who the running candidate was, you voted for them.
He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Marian L. King, on Oct. 22, 1998; and son, Barry King on Jan. 27, 1998.
Survivors include son, Michael King and wife Jane of Windsor; daughter-in-law, Debbie King of Windsor; grandchildren, Molly and Sam King, and Chris and Erin King, and Kelly Capen and husband Glen; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Capen; special friend, Marilyn Center of Clinton, Mass.; and several nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to New England Division, American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 7 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home-Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Fri., Nov. 8 at the funeral home with Pastor Lester Dancer officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery in Windsor.
Online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.
Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home-Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor.
