897_0000172084Roderick Allison King83, of rural Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 9:18 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born Oct. 3, 1930 in DeKalb County, Ind., to the late Harold and Henrietta (Packer) King. His formative years were spent in Butler, Ind. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1948. On Nov. 29, 1981, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Konoloff. They made their home in rural Columbia City.

He served as a reservist for the United States Navy. A career long grain farmer, he also raised livestock for many years. Throughout his career he enjoyed attending, buying and trading at farm auctions. Early in his work career, he worked for Tokheim, Fort Wayne.

He is survived by his wife; their son: Roderick (Cassandra) King II; his children: Kathleen (Michael) McKinney, Columbia City; Gary King, Fort Wayne, Ind.; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Carolyn (Jan) Fleck, Warsaw, Ind.; and Triva (Stanley) Berry, Stockton, Calif.

He was preceded in death by an infant son: Randy King; a sister: Eldora Daniel; and a brother: Alfred King.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 3, at the funeral home. The burial will be in South Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Hospice, Marion, ind.