Willie King Sr.

Willie Moses King Sr., age 90, of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior, finally reuniting with the love of his life, Anna, who has been waiting patiently to hold him again in her arms, Thursday, June 15, 2017.
He was born November 22, 1926, in Ravenden, AR, the son of Moses and Bertha (Wilson) King.
Willie attended local schools but for a few years. His father, a farmer, fell ill when Willie was young and all the boys were brought home to take over tending the fields. This continued until he seventeen and enlisted in the United States Army, just like five of his brothers who were already overseas. Although the war officially ended shortly after his basic training, he was sent to Japan as part of the occupation until his honorable discharge in 1955. He returned to civilian life and to the fields of his youth, resuming his duties on the farm. With economic realities what they were in Arkansas at that time, many looked for work in other states, Willie among them.
He wasn’t long in Illinois when he met the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. If it wasn’t love at first sight, it was a close, and Anna Coyle didn’t have a chance, not that she wanted one however, because her heart beat only for Willie. They were united in marriage November 9, 1956. They began their new life together in North Aurora for a time. Eventually they moved to Sugar Grove in 1989 and continued their love affair, until Anna’s passing in 2006. He continued to live in Sugar Grove until declining health brought him into the care of Presence McAuley Manor in Aurora.
Besides farming in his youth, Willie found work in several factories, but his favorite job came in his retirement. After clocking out for the last time at age 63, Willie began working for himself (and employed all three of his grandkids) as a lawn service provider. His standards were high and his work ethic rigorous, traits he taught his grandchildren and enforced every day. Willie started with a push mower and graduated to riding mowers and commercial walk-behinds. Even into his 80’s, you could still find Willie outside and in charge.
Willie was proud member of the Boy Scouts of America where he was Scout Master and Committee Chairman and the Aurora Masonic Lodge, #254, where he was a Master Mason and former Worshipful Master. Willie was also a member and past commander of Aurora Commandery No. 22, a member of and past High Priest of Royal Arch Masons Aurora Chapter 22, as well as a member and past Thrice Illustrious Master of Aurora Council No. 45 of Cryptic Masons. Willie received the honor of being named a Knight of the York Cross of Honour for his involvement in these Masonic Bodies. Willie was also a Shriner with Tebala Shrine and a member of Fox Valley Chapter of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron on several occasions. He was also a faithful member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church.
As a young man, Willie had mischievous streak a mile wide, a fact that many either didn’t remember or chose to forget as he mellowed, but only a little, in his old age. His faith was his bedrock and his home was the church, but there was no denying that his could be a rascal. His nickname at the nursing home was “Sit Down Willie”, chiefly because of his inability to stay where they put him. Willie was a grandpa to all. Related or not, neighborhood kids or folks at church, they were all drawn to his warmth and genuine spirit. When it came to his own grandchildren, there was no prouder man than Willie. The dedication to each organization he pledged his time were richer because of his devotion, but none more than his family, who he cherished with all his heart.
He now leaves his son William T. (Margaret) King Jr.; five grandchildren: Dr. David Barrios, Marlena Lynn Barrios, William T. King III, Thomas Patrick King and Anna Patricia King; two siblings: Pearlie Hirsch and Luther King; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends that will never forget him.
He now joins his wife, Anna J. King; one daughter, Terry A. King; one grandson, Michael T. King; his parents Moses and Bertha King, mother and father-in-law: Thelma and Thomas Coyle and nine siblings: David M. King, John King, Cecil King, Irene Baird, Jessie King, Thelma Berry, Claudie King, Maudie Leininger and Kathryn King, who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2017, at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St. Sugar Grove, IL. Additional visitation from 3- 3:45 p.m., Saturday, June 24, will also be at the church, and will precede a funeral service at 4 p.m. Rev. Dr. Richard Mayer will officiate with interment to follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Willie’s name. Checks may be made to the “Sugar Grove United Methodist Church” and mailed to Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Tributes may also be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can see his full life story.

Additional visitation from 3- 3:45 p.m., Saturday, June 24, will also be at the church, and will precede a funeral service at 4 p.m. Rev. Dr. Richard Mayer will officiate.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2017, at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St. Sugar Grove, IL.

Sugar Grove Cemetery