Lester L. King

Lester L. King, 83, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025.  Born July 9, 1941, in Kosciusko County, Indiana, he was the son of the late A. Ralph and Opal (Wolfe) King.

He graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1959.  Following graduation, Lester enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served for three years, with an honorable discharge in 1962, as an E4.  After Lester’s discharge from the Navy, he attended the Indiana State Police Academy and graduated with the Class of 1964.  He was employed by the Indiana State Police for 37 years, patrolling area counties, being one of the first helicopter pilots to patrol Indiana highways with the ISP Jet Ranger Helicopter and later taking on a supervisory role for white collar crime and drug enforcement investigations.

On August 11, 1978, he married Deborah Clark in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They have lived the past 46 years in rural Whitley County. Lester was a member of Community Bible Church for over 10 years.  Lester was also a member of the Indiana State Police Alliance, American Legion Post 98, and Indiana State Police Pistol Team.  In 1979, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award by Gov. Bowen.

Outdoors was the place he wanted to be.  Lester loved hunting elk and deer, farming and gardening, but his passion was mushroom hunting.  He looked forward to Northern Michigan mushroom hunts every year.

Lester is survived by his loving wife, Deb; children, Debbie (Charlie Dull) King, Jeff (Dee) King, Sandy (Michael) Petersen, and Amie (Chris) LaRue; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and siblings, Leta Erne, and David King. Along with his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his sister, Marylin King.

Visitation will be 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm with Funeral Service at 6:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  Memorial donations may be given in memory of Lester to Community Bible Church, Larwill Fire Department or Whitley County Humane Society.  Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Lester's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.