Henry E. King, 83, a lifelong Osawatomie resident, died Sunday, March 13, 2001, at his home.

Hank, as he was known to his family and friends, was born Oct. 29, 1917, to Frank P. and Nelleda D. Dickey King in Osawatomie. He was the oldest of five children. He grew up in the Osawatomie area and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1938.

He enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War II and, during that time, was stationed in the Philippines. After he was discharged in 1946, he returned to Osawatomie.

He was married to Onetta Ann Blackwell on Jan. 18, 1947, in Columbia, MO. They became the parents of six children.

Mr. King worked for Howard Davies Laundry for a short time in Osawatomie before being employed at United Telephone Co., which is now known as Sprint. He worked for the telephone company for 38 years before retiring in December 1980. He also was a volunteer firefighter for the Osawatomie Fire Department for several years and was proud to have been a firefighter.He was a member of the Plum Creek United Methodist Church and the Osawatomie American Legion. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years.

Mr. King was known as the sort of man who never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia and Hot Wheels and kept his collections in a designated room in his house. He also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his cooking.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Onetta King of the home; two sons, William King of Spring Hill, Fla., and Jackie King of Lee's Summit, Mo.; four daughters, Kay Ross of Papillion, Neb., Radie Spratt and Rexann Chester, both of Lane, and Tammy Mitchell of Osawatomie; 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Services were today (Wednesday) at the Wilson and Son Funeral Home in Paola. Burial was in the Osawatomie Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Osawatomie USD 367 Renovation Fund in care of the funeral home, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, KS 660671.