ELMON KING

Mr. Elmon King, age 83, of the Kingtown Community in Strunk, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Rev. William Kilby and Rev. Braxton King officiating. Committal services were held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the family cemetery on Kingtown Road.

Mr. King was born in the Kingtown Community in McCreary County, Kentucky, on March 12, 1925, to the late Emby L. and Beatrice Chitwood King. Besides his parents, a brother Estol King precedes him in death.

Surviving family includes his wife Imogene Phillips King of Strunk, whom he married on January 28, 1944, and a daughter Regina Baird and her husband Gordon also of Strunk. Elmon and Imogene's grandchildren are Troy Lee Baird, Joshua Brett Baird (who was supposed to be named Joshua Elmon Baird) and Sarah Katelyn Baird, and great grandchild Peyton Lee Baird.

Surviving brothers and sisters are Delmon (and Verna) King, Patricia (and Joe) Metcalf and Brenda Boswell, all of Louisville, Kentucky. He professed faith in Christ and united with the Second Otter Creek Baptist Church in Kingtown more than 70 years ago. A survivor of WWII, recipient of the Purple Heart, as well as many additional ribbons and medals, he served his country in the "Spearhead 3rd Armored Division" under Lt. Gen. Courtney H. Hodges as a motorcycle courier and recon specialist while he toured in France, Germany, and Belgium.

The start of a legacy always begins with an end. This new legacy, the newest chapter in the novel of time, is always begun with the end of a former story that has fulfilled the potential it was created for. The signs of this success are not always as evident as those of others, both for those who look close enough it can be seen as more of a radiant glow than that of the simple ideals most see. The success of Sgt. Elmon King, last of the Kings who originally claimed Kingtown in 1842, came in forms not evident to those who did not know him, but for those who did the inspiration was enough to move the sky on a stormy day. From serving the United States of America in the fight against Fascism during World War II to serving his last days to his family, particularly his grandchildren, he was as consistent as the days are long. The constant work he put into what he was doing at any given time would make others feel insignificant. Whether working at his own businesses, driving a school bus, or tending his farm, he was constantly working. This man's success came in the form of love and devotion to his family, his friends, his farm, and his life. In this instance, the name fits the man.