James ‘œRed’e King

James “Red” King, 80, of Fredericktown died Friday, January 30, 2009 at the NHC Nursing Center in Desloge, Missouri. 

He was born on April 22, 1928 in Fredericktown, Missouri, a son of John Alvin and Rose Belle        (Watts).  

On October 27, 1949 in Fredericktown he was united in marriage to Ruth Marie Ammon who preceded him in death on August 4, 2000.

Mr. King was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Walter “Cotton” King; two sisters, Gladys King and Birdie King and three infant brothers.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and David Voss of Fredericktown; brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Aileen King of Caseyville, Illinois; two grandsons, Tony Voss and wife Liz of Evansville, Indiana and Jordan Voss of Fredericktown; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.                        

Mr. King was an Army veteran, serving in the Korean conflict earning the title of Corporal James King.  On January 29, 1951 Corporal King was the leader of his infantry rifle squad that attempted to take a hill from the communists. During that attempt he was wounded and spent several months in the hospital until his discharge on September 9, 1952.  While serving his country he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Occupation of Japan Medal and the Combat Infantryman Medal.  On November 15, 1952 he was awarded the Purple Heart during a ceremony held at the Army Organized Reserve Corps in Cape Girardeau. 

Mr. King was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.  After his return home he and his brother Walter “Cotton” King owned and operated the Standard Service Station in Fredericktown where Cotton would do the mechanical work and “Red” would do the body and upholstery work.  He later worked for the City of Fredericktown in the Street and Sanitation Department until his retirement. 

Mr. King enjoyed restoring antique and classic cars and collecting antique Ford tools and enjoyed visiting with people and spending time with his family and friends. 

He was a member of the Fredericktown First Christian Church and will be sadly missed by all.

Funeral services were held  February 3, 2009 at Wilson Funeral Home with Brother Clyde Bess officiating.

Burial was at Christian Cemetery in Fredericktown, with full military honors under the direction of the Missouri National Guard.

Pallbearers were: Anthony Voss, Jordan Voss, Ray King and Rick Scott.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Fredericktown VFW Post #4320.

www.wilson-funeral-home.com

(Pd obituary).