Herbert Eugene King

Herbert Eugene King, affectionately known as Herb by his family and friends, passed away peacefully in Lansing, MI, on the 30th of October, 2024, after a life richly lived and loved. Born on the 15th of October, 1951, in St. Joseph, MO, to the late Clarence Herbert King and Jewel Lee Edwards, Herb's life was a testament to the power of optimism and the strength of family bonds.

Herb was a proud graduate of Central High School in his hometown, furthering his education at Missouri Western State College and the National Aeronautics School in Kansas City, MO. His industrious spirit and keen intellect led him to a diverse and successful career. He began his working life with King Service Station Maintenance in St. Joseph, MO, and moved through various roles at Missouri Nebraska Express Inc., Knox Oil of Texas, United Parcel Service, Schwan's Sales Enterprises, and Scarlett Machinery in Grand Rapids, MI. Herb's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he founded with his son, Joey, King Hauling LLC in Kansas City, MO, then on to Wyoming and Colorado. He also made significant contributions to SM&P Utility Locators and CWRV RV Hauling in Goshen, IN, and was still active with Shaheen Chevrolet Auto Parts in Lansing, MI, up to his passing.

Herb was a man who never stood still, always looking for the next adventure, the next challenge to conquer. His love for the great outdoors was evident in his passion for touring the Rocky Mountains, New England, and the scenic coastlines of America. After a long day, nothing brought him more joy than watching the waves on Lake Michigan, taco in hand, with the sounds of Pink Floyd and the Eagles as the perfect backdrop. Creativity and enterprise were in his veins; starting a new business was not just a job for Herb, it was a calling. He loved serving businesses and fostering relationships that went beyond work.

An avid fan of Westerns and detective shows, Herb cherished these simple pleasures with his dear wife by his side. His life was one of constant motion and unwavering dedication to his family, which included his beloved wife Colleen Dean King, children: Christopher King, Joey King, Jamie King, stepsons Matt, and John Conner, his treasured 10 grandchildren, 4 step-granddaughters, and 10 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy into his life. His brothers, Wayne and Jim King, will remember him for his unwavering loyalty and the kindness he extended to everyone he met.

Herb was the embodiment of kindness, and his ability to maintain a loving and optimistic outlook on life was infectious. These qualities were not only the bedrock of his character but also what drew people to him. He was a man who truly knew the power of love, and he nurtured it within his family and among his friends.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Successful is the person who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of children, who leaves the world better than they found it, who has never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty, who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves.

Herbert Eugene King will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, the business he passionately built, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity and warmth. His was a life well-lived, full of purpose, love, and an eternal optimism that will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

In Herbs own words he often said as a hello "How's the World TreatingYou?" And he really wanted to know.

Memorial Service will be at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, 7910 E. St. Joe HWY, Lansing MI on Saturday November 16th at 10 am visitation and 11 am for service. To be Live-Streamed and available later as well on the Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, Lansing, MI YouTube channel

Any donations go to Our Savior Lutheran Church Food Bank.