Earle W. King

ORANGE- Earle W. King, 83, of Evergreen Drive, died late Monday evening, December 30, 2024, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.

Born in Ware, MA on October 15, 1941, he was the middle son of the late Gilbert M. King Sr. and Myrtle E. (LePoer) King of Petersham, MA. 

He was predeceased by his brothers Gilbert M. King Jr. and Raymond F. King and is survived by his sister Ellen M. (King) Stowers.

On June 30, 1960, Earle enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he toured the Mediterranean European countries then was stationed at the United States Naval Base in Newport, Rhode Island. He was honorably discharged on June 29, 1964.

Earle married his high school sweetheart, Nancy L. (Bryant), on June 22, 1963.  They were married over 61 years and had three children Colleen, Edwin, and Kasandra. They enjoyed travel together, supporting their community, and spending time with family and friends.  

A self-employed mechanic, Earle enjoyed working on cars and machinery.  He had a profound love of family and country.  Earle was the founding member of the Marine Corp League, Pequoig Detachment 1168.  He was often seen throughout the community supporting Toys for Tots, Veteran and Memorial Day ceremonies, or speaking at local high schools.  He was a member of Vermont Rolling Thunder, an organization dedicated to educating the public about POW-MIA issues to help correct the past and protect future Veterans.  Earle also served as President of the Woodsman Rifle & Pistol Club and was a Worcester County Pistol team member for over 15 years.

Earle is survived by his devoted and loving wife Nancy; their son Edwin, his wife Rose (Powers), and daughter Kasandra (King) Obuchowski.  He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Brian King; Amanda (King) Henry and her husband Bryan; Dillon Obuchowski and his wife Kaitlyn, and Zachary Obuchowski.  Great grandchildren include Toby, Veronica, Zayden, Maddy, Grace and Dean.

Calling hours will be held on January 17, 2025, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.  

A service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Interment will be at 1:00 pm at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. 

A collation will be at 2:00 pm at the Athol American Legion, 325 Pequoig Ave, Athol, MA. 

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Earle’s profound love of country, the family requests donations be made to: Marine Corp League, Pequoig Detachment 1168.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family. 

The online guest book can be signed at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earle W. King, please visit our floral store.