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The world lost a bright light on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at his home in Crestline, Ohio.
Louis Eugene King, aka Louie, passed away with his beloved wife, Ruby Carolyn King, at his side, and their children.
Louie was born on July 16, 1934, in Mansfield, Ohio. He served in the United States Army, alongside his lifelong friend David Van Dine (and wife Patty), from 1956 until his Honorable Discharge in 1962, reaching the rank of Sergeant.
He married Carolyn on April 9, 1960. Louie first met Carolyn on a sledding hill, and so their 65 year story began.
Louie and Carolyn began their married life in Crestline by owning/operating the Crestline Parts Co. NAPA store from 1960 to 1996. Anyone who walked through those doors will remember his infectious smile, laugh, and jokes.
Louie was a person you could count on in so many ways, for example: riding on the back of a snowmobile during a blizzard so he could get parts to repair snowplows, working in the Jaycees fundraising haunt every year, pitching for the UCC softball team. He never hesitated to stop for someone broken down at the side of the road. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, had been a member of Eastern Star, Grotto, Crestline Police Auxiliary, Jaycees, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and many more organizations.
Louie had many titles during his years, but his greatest titles were husband and father. He devoted his life to caring and loving his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He loved nothing more than playing with the neighborhood kids after work on both Clink Blvd. and Etler Drive: Kick-the-Can, SPUD, kickball, and so many more games. As a young man, he told himself, "When I have kids, I'll be the father I never had"... he achieved and exceeded by being an amazing example to not only to his own children but so many more.
Louie was a devoted husband to Carol, loving father to three grateful children, Kenneth King (Julie Boyd King), Marcia King (Robert Kurtzman) and Anna Wade (Brad Wade), his pride and joy his grandchildren Stephanie Tomasch, Matthew King, Emily Huffman, Cara Kishbaugh, Erica Piatt, Samantha Tracy, Jonathon Wade, and the sparkle in his eyes, his great grandchildren to Mason, James Elliott, Amelia Lucy, Eva, Oliver, Lydia and Camille.
He showed unconditional love to his family, always ready with a kiss, an "I love you" and "see you later, alligator". Louie's infectious smile, ornery grin, and unending humor brought joy to everyone he met.
Louie is joining his mother, Mary King, Aunt Helen Denig, brother David King and best friends Mel and Jo Shepard, Mike Merritt, among so many other friends.
The family would like to thank the staff from Southern Care Hospice for their dedication and care as they provided physical and emotional comfort during Louie's decline. They were true gems.
Please join us to celebrate Louie at the Gompf Funeral Service - Crestline Chapel, 223 West Main St., Crestline, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be an Eastern Star and Masonic Service rendered during calling hours at 7:30 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, beginning at 10:30 AM at the Gompf Funeral Service - Crestline Chapel, 223 West Main St., Crestline. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery, Crestline.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Humane Society of Crawford County, 3590 State Route 98, Bucyrus, OH 44820
Those wishing to share a memory of Louis or send condolences to the King family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service - Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Louis Eugene King.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis Eugene King, please visit our floral store.
Crawford County Humane Society
3590 State Route 98, Bucyrus OH 44820
Tel: 1-419-562-9149