Michael E. King Colonel, Air Force, Retired

STERLING – Retired Air Force Col. Michael Edward King, 71, of Sterling, peacefully passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Iowa City, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Michael was born Oct. 16, 1944, in Sterling, the son of Edward R. and Velma C. (Jones) King. He graduated in 1962 from Newman Central Catholic High School. He attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, graduating in 1966, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He earned a Master of Business Arts degree in 1977 from Oklahoma City University.

Michael married Cheri Shumaker of Sterling on June 8, 1968.

Michael served his country proudly as a pilot in the Air Force, obtaining the rank of colonel. He was commissioned in May 1968, and retired after 261⁄2 years of service in July 1994. Michael then returned to his hometown of Sterling, where he worked for 11 years at National Manufacturing Co.

Michael was a loving husband and supportive father. He had a passion for cars. He loved to cook a good meal and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, a volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul Society in Sterling, and a member of Sterling American Legion.

He is honored and remembered by his wife of 47 years, Cheri; his daughters, Erin (Michael) Bickle of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Ashley (Ryan) Roe of Grapevine, Texas; grandchildren, Cooper and Parker Roe and Bennett, Bodie, Mackie, and Blaise Bickle; his siblings, Sandra (Terry) Taylor of Renton, Washington, Steven (Barbara) King of Sterling, and Mary (Roger) Martin of Geneseo; his mother-in-law, Betty Shumaker of Sterling; his brother-in-law, Steven (Karen) Shumaker of Suffield, Connecticut; many nieces and nephews; and his sweet dog, Reba.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Clarence Shumaker.

A gathering of friends and family will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 First Ave., Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, with the Rev. James Keenan, celebrant, officiating. Military honors will be accorded after the services, outside of the church. Cremation rites will be accorded. Michael will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Memorials can be directed to St Mary Catholic Church and Catholic schools in Sterling.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhome.com to send condolences.