Larry Allen King of Columbia City passed away at 1:25 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Miller's Merry Manor at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

Born November 13, 1947, in Columbia City, he was the son of the late Edgar A. and Grace Jean (Long) King. Growing up on a farm near Churubusco, he graduated from Churubusco High School in 1966 and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Larry married Connie I. Hanauer on September 14, 1971.  They made their home on a farm in the area of Columbia City, then in Fort Wayne, Smith Twp., Whitley County, and finally, in 1978, Columbia Twp., Columbia City.

For over 25 years, he worked at General Electric in Fort Wayne as a technician.  He also farmed and grew produce for the local markets, including onions, potatoes, and turnips.  He raised pigs for 10 years.  With his green thumb, he purchased significant amounts of jumbo seeds in a quest to grow the largest watermelons and pumpkins.  With his extensive knowledge of horticulture, he could identify most local tree species by sight.

An avid card player, he was a regular at some of the local taverns only for the spirited game of Poker.  He also played Euchre and enjoyed watching old Westerns. He was a man of faith and associated with the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Connie Irene King, their children, Tara (Dan) Patterson of Kendallville, Wesley (Kristy) King, and Austin King, both of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; and brothers, Robert (Arlene) King of Churubusco and Kevin (Angela) King of Columbia City.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Mark King.

Visitation will be at Smith & Son's Funeral Home in Columbia City on Thursday, April 9th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Burial is at the Eel River Cemetery.

Memorials in Larry's honor are to the Jehovah's Witness Organization (JWO).

This service will be live streamed through our Facebook page.