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Walter King Obituary

King, Walter J. 90, of Highland Park, IL, died on March 29, 2011. Born in Philadelphia on May 8, 1920, he was raised by his mother Betty and stepfather Roxy Monica. Walter served in the US Army during World War II as Captain of the "B" Battery, 267th Field Artillery Battalion, in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. He spent seven great days in Cannes after VE Day, 1945. Settling in Chicago after the war, he was President of Walter J. King & Associates, representatives for Shea Communications (Standard Gravure Corp) of Louisville KY for 30 years. Given a break early on in his career, Walter used his own well-earned prosperity to provide breaks for others. He was past commander of American Legion Post 170 "Sandy Barba," former member of the Chicago Advertising Club, and an active fundraiser for the Girl Scouts, Chicago Council. Faithful to a life of charm, grace, and generosity, he was ever ready with anything from smiles and sound advice to baseball tickets and family vacations. Predeceased by his wife Phyllis, Walter is survived by daughter Monica, son Bruce, daughter-in-law Karen, brother-in-law Jack and life partner Bill, and grandchildren Joshua, Shaka, Alfie, Kyle, Graham, and Connor. Mr. King has willed his body to medical science and his spirit to a VCU NCAA basketball tournament championship (www2.timesdispatch.com/sports/2011/mar/30/ tdmain01-shaka-smarts-grandfather-dies-ar-936919/). Contributions may be sent to the Highland Park Senior Center, 54 Laurel Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035, or to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Mar. 31, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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VCU Fan

April 5, 2011

After following the recent success of grandson Shaka Smart, it is obviously that Mr. King was a wonderful role model for all of his grandsons. Shaka Smart and his players conducted themselves with class, intelligence, and poise even in the face of defeat. Having this fine man in his life had a very positive effect on Shaka because he has an air of class about him that is hard to find in sports these days. The VCU players also showed so much class on the courts despite some questionable calls by referees. Never was there any show of arrogance, attitude, or aggression that is often exhibited by star athletes these days. The family of Walter King has much to be proud of these days....may God bring you comfort that he is at peace... and waiting for next year's FINAL FOUR! Love and prayers from .a new VCU fan in Virginia

April 5, 2011

Monica and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I've been thinking of all of you over the past few days and will continue to keep you all in my prayers. While loss is never easy I hope you will take comfort in knowing that Watler's life and memory will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who loved him and to those who wish they had an opportunity to know him better.
Love to all of you - Kathie (aka Stella) and John Di Novella

Scott & Nancy Hedberg

April 4, 2011

Dear Monica & Bruce and family,
Walter will be remembered by his smile, warm heart and joyful voice by us. He's kept us in his thoughts these last 8 years since my father, Hank passed on. They sure had a fun time for many years together in Highland Park. This year they can bet on the Kentucky Derby up in Heaven... and Walter will win! He always did! Remember the good times, with our regards, Scott & Nancy

James Metzler

April 4, 2011

Dear Walter King Family. I was a member of American Legion Post 170 for twenty years. Walter was a great help to me when I became Commander. He aways had a smile, was quick to share experiences. He was a great guy to have around and to provide encouragement. My prayers to the family at the loss of a very loving man.

Terrance Green

April 3, 2011

Dear Bruce and Family,

With heartfelt condolences, we send our deepest prayers and thoughts. Your father was an amazing man, and his legacy will contiune to live. Our thoughts and prayers be with you.

Best,
Terrance and Frank

April 2, 2011

Dear Monica, Bruce and family,
I've known your father for over 40 years when he first called on me at Sealy Mattress about Standard Gravure. We developed a relationship that extended long past his retirement, meeting for lunch, talking about our families, and having a good time. My wife and I were at his 80th birthday party, and I was one of the speakers.
Everything you wrote in the death notice was how I perceived him to be. I will sorely miss him as you will.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bernie Pilchen

Kurt , Lorelei & Kayla Elding

April 2, 2011

Dear Bruce and Family,
Our deepest sympathies for you on the passing of you beloved father. Our thoghts and prayers are with you. Kurt, Lorelei & Kayla

Susan Heneman

April 1, 2011

Monica, Bruce, Shaka, Josh, Kyle, Alfie, We are saddened at the news of your great loss. Please accept our sympathy and love at this sad time. Walter was such a great guy! We're so lucky to have met him. Love, Susan (Eugenia) and Egypt.

Brian Clarridge

April 1, 2011

Monica, Bruce, and sons: We grieve with you over Walter's death. The obit reflects a wonderful father and grandfather. The kind of person to be emulated. His life is to be celebrated, he had a good run. You were lucky to be with him for most of it. With love and affection, Brian and Jeanine

Ed Smith

April 1, 2011

My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your father. Water was wonderful friend and mentor to me. He will be deeply missed.

Kate Cronin

April 1, 2011

Monica, Bruce and family,

My deepest sympathies for you on the loss of your beloved Walter. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kate Cronin

Sue Wallerstein - DHS '66

March 31, 2011

Dear Monica, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved father. I have been following VCU for the past couple of weeks, and I can't imagine how bittersweet this time must be for all of you. May your dad's memory and spirit be with you and your family in the days ahead.

Ward Houfek

March 31, 2011

I will always remember Walter as a consummate gentleman. He will be missed by those of us who loved him.

Bruce & Monica

March 31, 2011

Please include an email address if you'd like to be notified of a celebration of Walter's life, date and location tbd. Thanks.

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