Francis A. King's Obituary
Francis Arthur King Frank passed away peacefully on April 13, 2013 in Tucson, Arizona. Born March 19, 1925 to Fred and Emma King in Niagara Falls, New York. Frank grew up and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1943. After graduation he enlisted into the US Army on August 23, 1943. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being severely wounded during the Battle of Monte Cassino in the Italian Campaign. If he had not been picked up and carried to a makeshift operating area by two fellow soldiers the doctor told him he would have bled to death. Out of his platoon he was the only one to survive. Although almost losing his leg he never let his wounds slow him down during his lifetime. He first met Elaine Nicholls through a friend when she was 14 years of age. She wrote him while he was overseas and they started dating one year after he separated from the Army. They were married in September of 1947 and spent the next 65 years as a loving couple. He worked as a plumber and joined the Pipe and Steamfitters union in Niagara Falls, a membership that lasted 65 years and was awarded a certificate as an outstanding member. In 1964 while working Honeywell Inc. he was transferred to Tucson and worked with them until he was forced to retire due to his WWII battle wounds at age 52. He dedicated his life to serve and give aid to those who needed help. He joined the Mason's Grand Lodge F&AM #1049 in Niagara Falls, in 1949. After moving to Tucson he joined the Eagles FOE #180, the Elks #385, the Shriners, the V.F.W. and the American Legion Post. He was involved and coordinated several charity drives. He also was a volunteer and drove the parking lot tram at the Veterans Hospital. He once said he wanted to lead a good life and comfort those who were in need and to honor all those who did not make it back alive from the war. His dedication to the Eagles was so great he was elected the President of Aerie #180 twice, president of React and president of the Four Courners area during his 44 years of membership. Frank is survived by his loving wife Elaine (Nicholls), his son Greg (Nancy) King, daughter Debra (Bill) Wozniczka, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Frank will be laid to rest in Niagara Falls Memorial Park with his parents, four brothers, sister and many aunts and uncles. You can also read more about his service to the United States of America, which he dearly loved at the WWII Memorial website. A celebration of life honoring Frank will be held at the FOE #180 at 1530 N. Stone Avenue on April 27th at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
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