Robert Jack King, 74, of Athens went home to be with our heavenly Father Friday, April 25, 2025 at Marshall Nursing and Rehab.
In keeping with Robert’s wishes, he will be cremated and a graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at North Sherwood Cemetery, with Pastor Jon Wallace officiating.
A gathering for lunch and fellowship will follow at Lighthouse of Athens, 310 S. Capital Ave., Athens, MI.
The family is being served by Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City.
Robert was born September 22, 1950 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was the oldest son of Jack and Betty (Partin) King. He lived in Battle Creek until 1962, when the family moved to Burlington, Michigan.
When Robert’s family moved to the family farm, his parents took on the responsibility of helping to raise his seven cousins. Robert called the family the “original 10”. They were Robert, John, Richard, Michael, Barb, Jackie, Jamie, Tina, Gina, and Leslie.
Robert attended and graduated from Union City High School with the Class of 1969. He was active in FFA and band.
Robert worked at Michigan Carton following graduation. He then left the company and worked at Eaton Corp. until they closed. He obtained his mechanic’s license and went on to work for the City of Battle Creek, where he would retire from.
October 10, 2008 he married Nancy Rankin in Battle Creek. She preceded him in death in 2020.
Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. He was a Detroit Tigers, Lions, and MSU fan. He also enjoyed watching old western movies.
Robert loved spending time with family and friends. When he could, it would make his day going on road trips with his nephew, Michael. They spent many hours trucking together.
He never passed up an invitation to go have dinner at the Chinese restaurant with the family. He spent holidays and Sunday dinners at his sister’s house, always sitting at the head of the table and leading the family in prayer. Robert had an outstanding faith in his Lord and Savior, never failing to share the word to everyone.
Robert will forever be in our hearts and memories. Our love will always be with him.
The family gives special thanks to Lois Raines, a longtime family friend, for her care and support during this difficult time. Also thanks to Jacob of Marshall Rehab, whom Robert was very fond of, and Heartland Hospice of Portage.
Robert is survived by his children Bobbie Jo (Larry) Warner of Battle Creek, Angela (Brian) Schwili of Augusta, and Aaron (Nathan) King of Battle Creek; his stepdaughters, Diane Allen and Nanlee Blowers, both of Union City; his grandchildren, Madyson Warner and Jaxson Warner; his sisters, Jacqueline (Tom) Robbins of Athens, Tiffany King and Shannon Hanshaw, both of Union City; his brother, Joseph King of Burlington; his aunt, Juanita Pursell of Battle Creek; his nieces and nephews, Michael, Shalloh, Adam, Louie, Michael, Ashley, Travis, Bradley, Wyatt, Hailey, Alyssa, Landon, MaKenna, Savannah, Sierra, Junior, William, Caleb; and his cousin Pamela.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Amanda King; his brothers, Michael C. King and Matthew Smith; his nephew, Jason King; and his cousin, John Pennock.
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