John William King

John William King, 86 of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at his Auburn home. 

He was born on March 31, 1938 in Butler, Indiana to Ralph and Lois (Hinkle) King.  Growing up John attended a one room schoolhouse in Franklin Township before graduating as salutatorian from Butler High School in 1956. John’s love of agriculture started on the farm in Butler. He was very active in farm work, 4H, and FFA, even serving as the state FFA president his senior year. John went on to earn a BS of Agriculture Degree from Purdue University, a Masters in Turfgrass Degree from University of Rhode Island and a Ph. D. in Crop Science from Michigan State University.

John worked as an Associate Professor of Agriculture specializing in turfgrass research from 1970 to 1998 at the University of Arkansas.  Dr. King contributed to the growth and development of the Arkansas turfgrass industry through service with the Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Arkansas Turfgrass Association, the City of Fayetteville and many other organizations and projects.  A major advising accomplishment was for the Malla Silla Golf Club in La Paz, Bolivia.  He also owned his own lawn care business for 8 years.

He was a lifelong member of Rotary, first at Northside Rotary in Fayetteville, Arkansas then finally the Auburn Rotary here in Indiana. He rarely missed a meeting, even when traveling he attended local meetings regularly.  He has 48+ years of service and perfect attendance. In the 1980's he took up photography.  He had his camera with him always for the next 20 years producing award winning photos.  He was an avid gardener and was a member of Master Gardeners in Fayetteville.  His gardens were once showcased in during the annual Home Gardens Show.  He loved developing and tending landscapes to bring in their natural qualities; he has planted thousands of bulbs.  He was very proud of the landscaping he did for Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville.

John developed a passion for canoeing and river rafting after his retirement.  He included his children & grandchildren on several rafting trips in Colorado.  He had his canoe tethered to the top of his Subaru when he went on vacations just in case he could get in some canoeing time. John was a good grandfather.  Whenever in Indiana, he was visiting them, attending their sporting events, and challenging them to yoga poses.  John was well traveled, having visited every state except for Hawaii.  He also was able to travel to Bolivia, Canada, China and New Zealand.

Finally, John was a keeper of his history.  It was important to him to keep the fellowship and history of his upbringing alive.  He regularly attended class reunions, one room schoolhouse reunions, and FFA meetings in Indiana.  When traveling he would check in with relatives and classmates to see how they were doing and to catch up.  He was proud of the accomplishments of those who graduated from Butler High School.

Survivors include:

Daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Michael Pollos of Woodburn, Indiana.

Daughter, Debbie Moynahan of Garrett, Indiana.

Son, Sam King of Garrett, Indiana.

Nine Grandchildren and their spouses, Clinton and Tara Baals, Alexandria and Andrew Boggs, Betsy and Jacob Coomer, Heath and Erica Moynahan, Alicia and Matt Hicks, Nick and Gaby Moynahan, Laura and Ted Christensen, Sydney King and Chase King.

27 great grandchildren.

Brother and sister-in-law, George and Mary Jane King of Winter Haven, Florida.

Sister, Ruth Bradford of Apopka, Florida.

Sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Rick Riecke of Auburn, Indiana.

John was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Rebecca.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM with a memorial service being held at 1:30 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn.

Memorials may be given in memory of John to the Auburn Rotary Club.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.

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