Leo Ellsworth King

Leo King was born in Missouri on June 19, 1927 to Elbert & Goldie King.  His family moved to Santa Monica, California in 1929.  He lived there with his siblings: Hazel, Helen, Donald, & Ronald (who passed at 3 days old).  On March 25, 1951 Leo married Pauline Lind, and in 1955 they moved to Salem, Oregon where they raised their 4 daughters: Ferne, Caroline, Joan, and Laurel. Leo was an active church member wherever he was.  In California he attended Calvary Mennonite Church in Los Angeles, where he was treasurer for 10 years.  When he lived in Salem, Oregon he helped found Salem Mennonite Church and was their treasurer for 10 years also.  During this time he also served on the Mennonite Missions board for 10 years and was President of the board for 2 years.  He liked to tell the story of when he was on the board and how he approved the million dollar budget for the building of the Mennonite nursing home building.  This was special as this is where he spent the last days of his life. For the last 10 years he attended The People’s Church in Salem, Oregon. Leo spent 34 years of his life working for the Oregon Department of Transportation. He was a draftsman and for the last 10 years he was the supervisor of the largest technical drafting crew in the state of Oregon.  Upon retirement in 1992, by himself, built a woodshop connected to the house.  He spent his time building and tinkering in his woodshop.  He also spent 5 years delivering food for the Marion-Polk food share. He would drive around to all the businesses and pick up their donations in his little blue pickup. In 2017 Leo and Pauline moved to Quail Run at the Mennonite Village in Albany.  He spent his final years here, being cared for by an amazing staff that “adopted” him as part of their family.  Leo is preceded in death by his wife Pauline, daughter Laurel Milmore, grandson Jonathan DerMott, great grandson Cohen Smith, and son-in-law Rick Troyer, 2 bothers and 2 sisters.  He is survived by his daughters: Ferne (John) Lovelace, Carolyn Lash, Joan Troyer & 9 grandchildren & 19 great grandchildren.  On August 27 Leo went to meet his 2 loves, his wife Pauline and more importantly his savior Jesus Christ in Heaven. We, family of Leo King, are thankful for the compassionate care received from Quail Run, the Nursing Home at Mennonite Village, and Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, all in Albany, OR.  We also are grateful for the many acts of kindness witnessed in thought, deed and prayer during this time. A memorial service will be held at Western Mennonite Church on September 12, 2019 @ 6pm.  Western Mennonite Church 9045 Wallace Rd Salem, OR 97304