Master Sgt. Edward J. King (Ret. Usaf)

Master Sergeant Edward J. “Jerome” King (Ret. USAF), age 80, formerly of Massillon, passed away on December 27, 2017 in Rancho Cordova, CA. Mr. King was born June 1, 1937, in Massillon, Ohio, to Eddie P. and Lillian (Long) King. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church. Upon graduation in 1955 from Washington High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant after 27 years of service. He then accepted a position at Sacramento International Airport and once again retired. His interests included family, fellow veterans, reading mysteries, and cooking, especially BBQ. Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie P. and Lillian (Long) King, his son Edward J."Skeeter" King, Jr., two brothers, Emlin King and Henry King and two sisters, Cornelia King and Dezell Ruth Houston. He is survived by his children, daughter, Daniele King, and son Alonzo King both of Massillon, Ohio, grandchildren, Britteny King, Jasmine Dixon, Ashley Dixon, Shantel King, and Nina Hastings, and great grandchildren, Malia Nickens, Essance King, Ann Marie Addie, Cillian Addie, Amelia King, Arieona Snell, and Nyana Keith. He also leaves his two surviving siblings - sisters, Marcia King and Jenny C. Terrell, special nieces Tyra Collins, Aundra Grant and Deanna King all of Massillon, Ohio, lifetime friend, J.W. Allen as well as a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church with the Rev. Reginald J. Hye officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service which will be followed by a Military Honors Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) or the Paralyzed Veterans of America Organization in Jerome’s name.