Thomas C. King

Thomas “Tom” Charles King, 87, of Urbana, passed away at 3:24 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2018, surrounded by his family.  A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 22  at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, immediately following the visitation at the funeral home, with Pastor Wesley Miller officiating.  Burial will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Mayview.

Tom was born July 26, 1930 in Gilson, Illinois to parents Charles and Clara (Wagher) King.  He married his high school sweetheart, Vernelle Walker, on September 5, 1948.   She survives.  Also surviving are four children: Larry King, of Urbana, Linda King, of Urbana, David King, of Champaign, and Diane Scott, of Urbana. Tom is also survived by seven grandchildren: Laurie Waterman, Callie King, Tricia King, David Smith, Jason Scott, David King II, and Jennifer Butts.  Thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Phyllis Larose.

After graduating from Loda High School and marrying the love of his life, Tom began work as a Grain Inspector for Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Department and at one time was part owner. After retiring, he also worked part-time for the News-Gazette.

Tom was a member of the Elks Club and participated in local bowling leagues. He had many interests, which included golfing, camping, and fishing. He loved being outside and particularly enjoyed sitting around the fire pit with his family every Saturday night.

In keeping with Tom’s own philanthropy for children, his family asks that memorial contributions be made to Operation Smile at www.operationsmile.org or to St Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org.  Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.                      

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