Richard Leo King

Richard Leo King, 87, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 6, 2016.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Joan Oleson officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 PM before the service.  Burial will follow at North Shore Memorial Gardens, with Military Rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home.  Those wishing to sign Richard’s Guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Richard was born June 5, 1929 in Mishawaka, IN to John and Bernice (Hodge) King. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from June, 1946 to April, 1953, completing his High School education by “issue” of the government.  He served on the USS New Jersey, USS Arneb, USS Providence and the USS Chandeleur.  Richard was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.  On June 6, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary Sue Tapp, at The Methodist Peace Temple in Benton Harbor.  Richard retired from Whirlpool after 38 years as supervisor of their paint department.  He dedicated much of his time to the St. Joseph / Benton Harbor Elks – 52 years, Stevensville American Legion, Benton Harbor Volunteer Fire Dept. – 7 years, St. Joseph Volunteer Fire Dept. – 25 years, U.S. Deputy Sheriff Assoc. and the Berrien County Sheriff Assoc.   Most of all he enjoyed boating, fishing, Golden Eagle get-togethers and time with his beloved family.   Richard is survived by his wife Mary; sons John King of Knoxville, TN, and Larry (Frederick Korroch) King of Lansing, MI; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters Jean North and Norma (Bob) Roberts both of Bradenton, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Kristine King; great-grandson Vance King; special sister-in-law Shirley Evans; brother-in-law Donald North and mother and father-in-law Robert and Winnie Tapp. The family wants to especially thank their loving neighbors & his caregiver Suzanne Schultz for their help over the years.