Franklin Hadley King

Franklin Hadley King passed away July 30, 2024, in Auburn, Washington. He was born in Vallejo, California, to William Oscar King and Lulu Faye Chapin King on March 18, 1927.

Franklin King attended Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. He joined the Navy in March 1945 and served on active duty in the Asiatic-Pacific Area. He was stationed on Guam and received the WWII Victory Medal. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in July 1946, at San Pedro, CA

Frank matriculated to Chaffee College and then moved, in 1948, to study at Washington State University, where his brother, William, was studying. Frank met his future wife; Zelda Benson King at WSU and they married in 1949. Both graduated in 1951 and moved to Seattle to start their careers and a family.

Franklin joined the Coast Guard Reserve at age 41. He retired as a Lt. Commander with 22 years of service in 1986. Franklin worked first as an engineer and then a teacher. He obtained a master's in education from Pacific Lutheran University. Mr. King worked primarily as a drafting teacher in the Sumner School District. He received a regional technology teacher award in 1987-1988 school year.

Frank retired from teaching in 1989 and devoted more time to his projects, hobbies, and activities.

Frank loved making model airplanes and the challenge of flying remote control airplanes. He received the field Marshall award in 2000, Frank was an outstanding woodworker, crafter, and painter. He enjoyed painting ocean-going clipper ships and landscapes. Outdoor activities were also important to Frank. He enjoyed hiking, skiing, and bicycling.

Above all, Frank loved his family and friends. He is survived by daughters Louise King-Taylor, Mike Taylor, Lucille Heminger, and granddaughter, Melinda Tanner. He also had a special friend, Dorothy Schmidt, and her daughter Lisa Schmidt.