John P. King, Sr.

John Patrick King, Sr., 77, of Galesburg, died at 1:47 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2020 at home. John was born March 17, 1942 in Chicago, the son of James Edward and Laina Joanne (Huhtala) King.  John is survived by one son, John (Jennifer) King, Jr. of Bartlett; two daughters, Nancy (fiancé- Don Dredge) Reed of Gilson and Lynn (Robert) Tiani of Panama City, FL; one brother, James (Marilyn) King of Sudbury, MA; and one sister, Joanne Bernas of Elgin.  John is also survived by eight grandchildren, Rachel Simmons, Daniel (Ingrid) Reed, Matthew Reed, Domenic Tiani, Isabella (Richard) Tiani, Aria, Rylee, and Clarice King; three great grandchildren, Valarie, Calvin, and Genevieve; and his beloved cat, Baby. John graduated from Tilden Tech High School in 1961.  He began a career at AT&T on February 28, 1965.  He worked for AT&T until February 1996, when he retired.  While working John graduated from Governor’s State University in 1979.  In the summer of 1997 John moved to Henderson, NV.  He taught communications at GSU and UNLV for several years.  In his free time John enjoyed body building in his younger years and watching classic movies.  He was an avid sports fan.  John enjoyed bowling, watching sports on TV, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the Cubs and White Sox.  John was proudly sober for 45 years, attended AA weekly meetings, and had been a mentor for many.  John enjoyed eating at many different restaurants in Galesburg.  He enjoyed teasing the wait staff telling them, “Boy you’re a good cook!” Cremation rites will be accorded.  A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. March 6, 2021 at Budde’s Pizza and Spirits, 425 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Knox County Humane Society, 1855 Windish Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401.