Leroy M. King

Born 82 years ago in the small coal mining town of Kingston, West Virginia to Gladys and Jr King, Leroy M King passed away July 4th 2017. He resided in this small mining community growing up playing baseball, attending school and thriving in this small mining community until he was a young man. His family then moved to Ohio. He would gain the attention of Cincinnati Reds with his baseball skills. Receiving opposition from his mother about embarking on a baseball career the offer was turned down and that would be as far as he would venture in his high school years..

It was when he left this area after graduation, he began his journey and found his place in life by joining first the US Coast Guard and then a little later the United States Marines. As a young Marine serving his country with honor and beginning his service path as an embassy guard in Moscow, he would meet the love of his life. Joyce Lewis was a young professional skater who toured with Holiday on Ice from England. When her troupe of skaters were scheduled to entertain in Moscow as part of a cultural exchange, this handsome young Marine was assigned their safe keeping while they were to perform in Russia. This turned out to be a permanent assignment for Marine King. They fell in love and would soon marry. Their beginning was not without obstacles during this era of the cold war. Perseverance and love eventually won. Permission was granted by the US government for reassignment to Helsinki, Finland. It was in this neutral country they were able to be wed and would soon begin a family.

He was a valiant Marine and served his country with more honor and respect than most can comprehend for over 26 years and would travel extensively. His approach to raising his family and his caring for his friends was notably as honorable. Serving 4 tours in Viet Nam, as a career Marine he held many duties receiving many distinguished and esteemed medals and honors. The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, 26 Air-Medal commendations, National Defense Service Medal Award, Navy Unit Commendation and 8 Good Conduct Medals are only a few. His family stood by him with respect and admiration during his entire career. His love of family was commiserate with his love of country. They would move with him when possible wherever the USMC needed Leroy King to go. His last duty assignment was in California where he would retire after a distinguished career of service. He was honorably discharged and presented with even more revered awards.

It was not long after that, he would embark upon yet another career path working at Hughes Aircraft, but his heart would always be that of a Marine. He would eventually retire once again to enjoy time with his wife and family. Never to have idle hands for long, he and his wife would start two new business. They remained self-employed working together side by side until her untimely passing August 15, 1998.

Battling leukemia for many years and finally succumbing to several other cancers, he was active and enjoying his time with family. Lee would find great joy in everyone gathered around no matter what the event. It was only in the last few months it became evident the illnesses that had been diagnosed in the past would really begin to take their toll on his earthly body. With the recent hospital stays becoming more frequent, he passed peacefully at home with his sons nearby.

He was bound by duty to God, Country, and his fellow Marines to execute the demands of his position to and beyond what is to be believed were the limits of his capabilities. By God’s good grace he lived his life, raised his family and was ever true to this creed. It is not surprising God saw him becoming tired in this world and called his name on July 4, Independence Day. An amazing man, an incredible Husband, Father, Grandfather, caring Great-Grandfather, a true friend and loyal to many. From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli you will truly be missed. We will ever look on Heavens scenes where we will find the streets are guarded by the United States Marines. Simper Fi until we see you again, “Pops”. We know you are waiting for us, a place made ready in heaven.

He is survived by his 3 sons, Kevin and wife MJ of California, Kenneth of California and Keith of New York. He leaves behind 5 grand-children, 1 step grandson, 2 step great grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren all of whom will miss him greatly. His lovely wife precedes him in death, taken home to be with the Lord after nearly 40 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his parents and a brother Gene from Ohio.

Donations may be made in his honor to the USO ( United Services Organization) or the Warrior Foundation https://www.warriorfoundation.org/