Obituary of Joy LaVern King
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Joy “Joe” LaVern King
July 31, 1939 – January 3, 2026
"There is no death. Only a change of worlds." – Chief Seattle
Joy “Joe” LaVern King, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at his cherished home in Midland, Michigan, surrounded by the nature he so deeply loved. Born on July 31, 1939, in the same town, Joe's journey came full circle as he drew his last breaths in the town where it all began. His 86 years of life were marked by love, laughter, and a deep connection to the outdoors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary (Newman) King. His daughter LuAnn (Jim) Crowley, sons Mark King (Karen Hutchinson) and Dean King, stepchildren Bob Arnold and Jennifer (Simon) Parsley, and granddaughter Elizabeth Maze (Bill Schultz) will forever cherish the memories they created with him. His brother J.D. (Maria) King, along with numerous sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, dear lifelong friends, and the extended family who come together at the annual King Family Reunion, will also hold Joe's spirit close to their hearts.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd C. and Elva (Breu) King, his brothers Lonny (Loretta) King, Sidney (Colleen) King, and Rick (Terri) King, son John King, and grandson Ryan (Sydney) King.
Joe graduated from Midland High School and had a successful career as a meat cutter and meat manager at Giant Supermarket. His friendly demeanor and dedication to his craft led to many lifelong friendships, both with colleagues and the community he served.
Joe was part Native American from the Shawnee Tribe. This was a source of immense pride and guided his profound respect for nature. An avid hunter and fisherman, Joe loved the quiet beauty of Michigan's lakes and forests, as well as the camaraderie of trips with family and friends to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Canada. Joe was a great cook and loved making hearty pancake breakfasts, which were a highlight of both hunting and fishing expeditions and the annual King Family Reunion.
He loved classic cars, NASCAR, and car racing of all kinds. During his last years, he just wanted to be at home on his beautiful property in the woods feeding and watching the deer, birds, squirrels, and all woodland creatures. They were very well-fed by Joe!
Joe's life was a testament to the simple pleasures that bring richness to our existence. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him to cherish family, embrace the beauty of nature, and live with a kind heart. As we bid farewell to Joe, we take comfort in knowing that the woods he loved so dearly will serve as his final resting place, echoing with the sounds of the wildlife he adored. His spirit, like the whispering wind through the trees, will forever be with us.
It was Joe’s wish to not have a formal funeral service. Close family will honor Joe with a memorial service on his property in the woods and he will be honored at the King Family Reunion. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
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