Obituary of Donald Jack King

Donald Jack King died on February 18, surrounded by family after a short period of hospice care. Don, age 90, was loved deeply by his family and was a friend to many. He was a true gentleman, appreciated by all for his genuine warmth and sense of humor.Don was born in East Haven, CT on June 18, 1922. His father, Philip, was the ambitious, successful son of German immigrants. His mother, Mabel, was from a family that traced its roots back to the pre-Revolution colonies. Don was the third of their four sons. The family moved to Indianapolis in 1933, where all four brothers became Eagle Scouts. Don attended Shortridge High School, excelling in track and football. After a year of college at Butler University, he transferred to Miami University in Oxford, OH in the fall of 1941. There he majored in business administration and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. There, too, he met Jane Louise Stevens, the love of his life. They married on November 11, 1944, shortly before Don left for active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned the rank of Captain before leaving the service.Don returned from active duty in the Pacific in 1945 and started his career with Pittsburgh Plate Glass in a sales position based in Columbus, OH. Daughter Jennifer Lynn King was born there in 1947. The family had moved to Springfield, OH when son Robert Philip King was born in 1950. Don put his career on hold when he was called back to active duty for service during the Korean War. Subsequently, a series of promotions led to increasing management responsibilities and family moves to Muncie, IN; Memphis, TN; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; and Pittsburgh, PA.Don and Jane moved to Eugene in 1984, shortly after Don's retirement from PPG Industries. They quickly settled into life in the Pacific Northwest and made many lasting friendships. They enjoyed spending time with children and grandchildren, hiking and camping, Elderhostels, travels to Europe and Australia, Duck football games, and the many cultural and arts events Eugene offers. Don was known for his creative thinking and artistic skills as a painter. He was a lifelong golfer, who had some of his best scores when he was in his 70’s. He also was an avid fan at Hayward Field track meets.Don was a loving father to Jennifer and Rob. He taught them the importance of striving for excellence and the value of seeing the humorous side to whatever life brings. He and Jane were great role models for how to live and enjoy life to the fullest. Married for 68 years, Don and Jane were perfect complements, spending their days together with grace and graciousness and appreciation for friends and family. They shared a sense of adventure and a joy in new experiences.During the last year and a half of his life, Don was especially close to his tablemates at Sheldon Park—Bunky, Fred and Dr. Bob. The family would like to express their gratitude to his caregivers and friends at Sheldon Park and the staff at Hospice of Sacred Heart.Don is survived by his wife, Jane; children Jennifer and Rob and Rob’s wife, Jane; grandchildren Emily, Adam (Stephanie), Sarah (James), Ben, and Dan (Anna); great grandchildren Abigail, Walter, Nathaniel, and Silas; brother Gregor; nieces and nephews, and many friends.There will be a memorial service on Friday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1050 E. 23rd Ave., Eugene, OR 97405. The family prefers that memorial contributions be sent to the Foundation of First Congregational Church or to the Sheldon Park Employee Fund, Sheldon Park Assisted Living at 2440 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR 97401,Arrangments By Musgrove Family Mortuary.