Charles Edward King

Charles E. King, 89, of Akron passed away November 3rd, 2009. Along with his parents Wilbur and Portia (Hargrove) King, Charles was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Jack King. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years Kathryn and loving family: daughters, Sandra (Dennis) Taylor and Kelli (Joel) Barash; sons, Thomas and David King; grandchildren, Michelle (David) Benson, Mae (Sean) Wagner, Chad Taylor, Saul Barash and 6 great grandchildren. Charles was proud to have served his country in World War II as a member of the Army, 35th Division. During the Battle of the Bulge, Charles was called upon to participate in the occupation of Germany. Charles, a 1987 Akron Baseball Hall Of Fame Inductee was one of the most accomplished athletes to come out of the North Akron Youth Leagues. Charles was an All City athlete in three sports, including being a member of the 1939 North High School State Championship Basketball Team. After high school, Charles attended Ohio State on a football scholarship. Charles later played three years in the St. Louis Browns farm system. Throughout the 40's, Charles played on numerous military teams, local club teams and finished his brilliant career with Goodyear Tire's Wingfoot Basketball Team in 1949. After Charles hung up his cleats, he worked at Goodyear for the next 31 years, eventually retiring as a supervisor. He was a member of Ralph Huff VFW Post 1069 and a faithful member of St. Martha's Church. He was an avid golfer and traveler. He and his wife Kathryn spent many winters in Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday November 9, 11:30 at St. Martha Church with visitation TWO HOURS PRIOR to service time on Monday at the church. Private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.