Charles Robert King Sr. of the Trinidad and Walsenburg areas passed away at his home on Thursday, June 9, 2016 after a lengthy illness. .
Charles was born to Harry and Mary (Honey) Velvin King in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His southern upbringing was a huge part of his personality and influenced him throughout his life.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, with the majority of his service on board the USS Saratoga. After finishing his commitment to the Navy, he returned to Pine Bluff to follow in his grandfather Velvin’s footsteps in the railroad industry. In 1977, he moved to Trinidad to continue his career as a Locomotive Engineer.
When he retired from the railroad, he was not content to sit around. He started looking for new adventures and found his true passion: the ranch life in Southern Colorado. He hadn’t had much experience, but was not afraid to learn the business and hard work necessary from his wife, Jeannette.
He was a very loving Father to his children and enjoyed spending time with family. He made it a point to keep in touch and visit with his southern family, but was adamant that Colorado was where he belonged.
Charles was a very friendly and outgoing person. He made friends easily and sincerely. He loved the outdoors and especially the mountains of Colorado. He was an avid elk hunter for 30+ years. He looked forward to elk hunting with his friends every year and shared many entertaining stories about the mishaps and antics that ensued.
His faith was a very important part of his life and served him well throughout his life, and especially during his illness. He was an active member of St. Anthony’s Church in Aguilar, CO.
He was a very kind, funny, genuine and generous person. He will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by: parents Harry E. King and Mary (Honey) Velvin King, brothers Harry King, Jr. and Frank “Buddy” V. King, nephew Curtis King and a sister-in-law Sandra (Hicks) King.
Survived by: wife Jeannette R. King and mother-in-law Carmela Ferrero, daughters Melissa (Jay) Babcock, Delta Ohio, Jennifer King, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Elizabeth (Thomas) Libby, Windham, Maine, one son Charles Robert King, Jr. of Raton, NM, one sister MaryAnne (Richard) Gaffney, Rockwall, TX, grandsons Jared H. Babcock, Dylan R. Babcock, Samuel C. Libby, Eliot J. Libby and Cooper R. King, brother and sister-in-law Mike and Virginia Ferrero, Trinidad, CO, Barbara King, Elk City, AR, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday from 2PM-7PM at the Comi Chapel.
Rosary will be recited Thursday, June 16, 2016 ay 7PM at the Comi Chapel.
Funeral Mass will be Friday, June 17, 2016 at 10AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Aguilar, CO.
Interment with graveside services conducted by the US Naval Honor Guard will follow at the Ferrero Family Cemetery in Rouse, CO.
Honorary pallbearers are Marlen Morgan, Tony Riley, Steve Hargrove, Joe Tortorelli, Jim Tortorelli, and Richard McCoy.
Active pallbearers are Matt Bolf, Jeff Ferrero, Eddie McAlister, Keoni Escobido, Brent Kirklund and John Van Buskirk.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
