Rodney Don King

Rodney Don King, 88, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on November 5, 2025, at Georgetowne Place, Fort Wayne. Born on May 2, 1937, in Bowling Green, Ohio, Rodney was the son of the late Donald and Evelyn (Hoot) King. After earning a journalism degree from Ohio University, he married his high school sweetheart, Natalie Koppenhafer, on June 26, 1959. They then moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Rodney began his career as associate editor of the General Electric News. He also worked at Bennington Associates and the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel before embarking on a 32-year career in the public affairs department of Indiana Michigan Power. Following his retirement, he became a full-time freelance writer for various Fort Wayne area publications. Rodney found great joy in sports, frequently playing tennis and golf. He was lucky enough to enjoy snow skiing into his early 80s. He was a passionate music lover, an original member of the Fort Wayne Area Community Band, and one of their concert announcers. His comedic nature and creativity with cardboard will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His favorite saying, "while you're up," will live on among his family. He is survived by his son, Douglas (Jennifer) King of Indianapolis; daughter, Paula (Sam) Jarjour of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Crystal Parsons, Mitchell (Sami) King, Hattie (Vinnie) Palazeti, Gabe Jarjour, and Adam Jarjour; great grandchildren, Chloe Gesell and Rocco Palazeti. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Natalie Koppenhafer King.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Preferred memorials may be made to the Fort Wayne Area Community Band, fwacb.org. Special thanks to Ladaisia Green, Eleos Hospice, and the staff at Georgetowne Place for their care. Arrangements by Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E. New Haven. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com.