Martin Eugene King

Born Martin Eugene King, he worked hard to prove that he could rise above any type of adversity, both medical and professional that stood in his way. Martin was a kind, helpful, caring, dedicated, loyal son and brother that had a heart of gold for anyone he came into contact with. His good-natured and loving spirit will leave a legacy that will live on in our hearts forever. Martin was the seventh oldest child of eleven siblings, born to his mother, Evangelist Lucy M. King and his father, Henry V. King, who died when Martin was eleven years old. Martin had worked hard to help anyone that needed a helping hand, including his family, in any way if he could. Martin did not have any children, but he claimed every other child that he came into contact with. Martin Eugene King attended Linden-McKinley High School, worked at two gas stations, and also fixed lawn mowers and bikes for a living. For recreation, he adopted the wildlife coming into his yard, and fed birds, squirrels, and a rabbit (his favorite) every day. Martin was baptized and dedicated to the Lord at an early age, and he loved to sing the songs by the Mighty Clouds of Joy and James Cleveland. He had always been faithful and meek, but at times could stand tall to have his voice heard. Martin was taught to seek and live a strong spiritual life, and had always wanted acceptance and encouragement from others. Martin had his own personal relationship with the Lord and only he and the Almighty knew the extent of his love throughout his life until he was called home. Even through the hardships and the suffering that he had endured, Martin remained strong and fought through unkindness with a smile and tried hard to win people over. Martin truly enjoyed music and had a collection of all types of artists that had a calming effect upon his soul. Gospel music really inspired him and I've Been In The Storm, Walk With Me, Lord, and One More River To Cross, were three of his favorite gospel songs. Martin loved the oldies but goodies and Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and the Delfonics were his favorites. Martin got to celebrate his 57th birthday on September 13th and no one but the Lord knew that the plans for his life had changed. God shined his light on Martin and knew that He needed him to come home. Family was very important to Martin and he was a mother's boy, but showed that he could step up and be a man as well. Even though Martin's death was unexpected, he seemed to be at peace when we found him. Martin was truly a very remarkable man that was full of courage, honesty, friendliness, and playfulness, which he was willing to share with anyone that wanted to experience a better way of life filled with good-will, positivity, and treasures that went way beyond our wildest imaginations. Martin was preceded in death by his father Henry Vance King, sister Felicia Inez King, aunt Faye Williams, uncle Fred Bess, and nephews Tomarr King-Mitchell, Nookie Johnson-King, and Tyre King. Martin leaves to mourn his passing, mother Lucy King; sisters Mary King-Steverson, Dearrea King, Elizabeth King, Ester King, and Beverly King-Athi; brothers, Brian King, Mark King, Michael King, and Anthony Fernandez; aunt Margaret Biles; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Martin will be missed, but we all know that he has peace and is in a much better place with his father waiting to hold him.