Neil King of Boardman died on Jan. 14, 2022 in Hermiston at the age of 88.
He was born on Feb. 5, 1933 in Keenesburg, Colo. to Benjamin and Lena Webb King.
Neil was raised in Colorado before moving to Coquille during high school, graduating in 1951. He then joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean War from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1956. Neil was united in marriage to M. Jeanne Brewster on Jan. 1, 1955 in Myrtle Point. They lived on the southern Oregon coast until moving to Portland in 1966, where he attended Multnomah Bible College. They later settled in Boardman in 1970, where Neil was called to be the pastor at the Boardman Community Church. Fifty years later to the month, Neil was called again to be the pastor at the church. He later worked at the Boardman Coal Fire Plant as the plant operator.
Neil enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on cars, snowmobiling, going to the mountains and traveling.
He is survived by his daughters, Martha Leader and her husband Butch, Milwaukie, Cynthia Whitney and her husband Stephen, Wenatchee, Wash., and Leora Svatonsky and her husband Alan, Irrigon; grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy, Dustin (Nikki), Corey, Ben (Jessica), Rachel (Brad), Timothy (Laura), Daniel (Michelle) and Ciara; 12 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne; a son, Randy King; his parents; his sisters, Ruby and Ruth; and his brothers, Bill, Bob and Noel.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Neil’s memory to Compassion International at www.compassion.com.
Please share memories of Neil with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
