Gerald King

Gerald “Jerry” King, age 82, of Darlington, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at the home where he and his beloved late wife, Barbara, raised their four sons. Jerry was born on March 6, 1943, in Darlington to John and Ione King. He grew up on the family farm in Willow Springs Township, where he developed a strong work ethic, determination, and a heart of gold.

After graduating from Darlington High School, Jerry helped his parents run the family farm. Not long after, he fell in love with a hardworking Willow Springs farm girl, Barbara White, and dreamed of marrying her. On August 27, 1966, the Saturday following Barbara’s 18th birthday, Jerry realized his dream at the Darlington United Methodist Church.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army and was a true patriot. His love for his country was evident through his many years of service with American Legion Post 214, their Honor Guard, and their Avenue of Flags project on Darlington’s Main Street.

Throughout most of his adult life, Jerry worked for Bill Crist & Son, Inc., Grande Cheese, and the Lafayette County Highway Department. Earlier in his life, he was a member of both the Willow Springs and Darlington United Methodist Churches, and later, the First Baptist Church of Darlington. He was passionate about the outdoors, yard work, and maintaining Barbara’s flower gardens, and he had a knack for fixing anything. An avid train enthusiast, Jerry was also a fan of Elvis Presley and John Wayne, and he was known as an outgoing conversationalist who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He especially enjoyed his many visits with his neighbor, Dave Heins.

Above all, Jerry loved his family and devoted his retirement to his cherished grandchildren. He is survived by his four sons: Jay (Robert), Jeff (“Mitzy”), Jon (Jenni), and Jason (Tammy) King; his grandchildren Brianna (Mike) Cavanagh, Noah (Heather), Paul (Jaiden), Matthew (Abby), Madyson, Landon, Lillian, Oliver, and Samantha King; his great-grandchildren Joseph, Avery, Hunter, Kaiser, Maverick, and Kinsley; a sister, Kim Reed; a sister-in-law, Vicki Crist; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by the love of his life, Barbara; his parents; his in-laws, Clyde and Ruth White; his brothers, Barry and Bruce King; his sister-in-law, Ruth Ann King; and his brother-in-law, Bill Crist.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Darlington with Pastor Nick McElrath officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemeterywith military rites afforded by American Legion Post 214 following the funeral. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.