Obituary of Leonard D. King

Born, April 21, 1931, in Knoxville, TN, son of Leonard and Magnolia King. He resided in Tennessee, Georgia, and Jersey City, before moving to Plainfield, NJ in 1970. Leonard enlisted in the United States Air Force, was a veteran of the Korean conflict, and received an Honorable Discharge. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1996. Leonard celebrated his Native American heritage and enjoyed attending pow-wows. He is a charter member and his name is inscribed on the Honor Wall of the National Museum of the American Indian. Leonard was a lover of nature - whether astronomy, botany, or marine life - he respected all and enthusiastically shared these feelings. He was also an artist, and some of his oil paintings reflect his admiration of outdoor scenery. One of his favorite pastimes was gardening. Leonard had the gift of the green thumb and was often called upon by friends and family to save a failing plant. He was a jazz enthusiast, Lena Horne being one of his favorites. Leonard was attentive to political issues and relished the opportunity to heartily engage in a discussion regarding the state of national affairs. He is predeceased by his wife, Beverly, in 2002 and his sister Barbara Hardin. He is survived by his children: Darryl Estelle, Michael Anderson, Claire King, Gladys Atkins and husband Gerry, Leonard D. King III and wife Deborah; brothers: Bernard and Paul King; sisters: Elaine Mason, Brenda Taylor, Sheila Addison; and grandchildren: Desmond, Simone, Renee, and Danielle. Fond memories of Leonard will rest with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.