MIKE KING
Kaneland High School - Class of 2003
Michael T. King was born to eternal life, August 16, 2005, but his life here, began January 12, 1985 in Geneva, IL. He was a bright sensitive boy but the first few months of his life he experienced a level of abuse that made it hard for him to love. Then, when he was nine months old, he was rescued by his grandparents, Anna and Willie King Sr, and his Aunt Terrie King, three "angels" who would love him unconditionally with devotion and grace, the rest of his life. Michael remained with them until 1988 when he was adopted by "his first girlfriend," Margaret Monckton.
On June 25th of that year, Margaret married Michael's father, Willie T. King Jr. and the three of them became one family. In the years that followed, Michael would have two brothers, William T. King III and Thomas King. With them, there would be wrestling and battling and boys would be boys. Then came a little sister, Anna. And while they would have their moments, she would be his little "Princess" and the only one who could call him "Mikey" and live to tell about it!
From the time he could speak, Michael talked about being a fire fighter, just like his dad. The fire shirt his mother sewed him when he was two, was worn to shreds before he would let it go. Though his school years would be a battle from start to finish, there was never any question, Michael kept his quest to become a fire fighter. He joined the Sugar Grove fire department when he was a senior at Kaneland High School. Following graduation, he continued with training to become a fire fighter EMT and had pursued paramedic training as well. Michael also joined his father and grandfather as a member of the Aurora Masonic Lodge, AF&AM # 254.
Michael also loved music and first picked up a guitar during his freshman year in high school. He played it long and played it loud but he also played it well. Like other "gifts" he possessed, however, unwrapping them and making them work for him, was a complicated process that frustrated him deeply. His gift of charm could sparkle like a diamond or his temper could flare in fire that burned everything in sight. On that roller-coaster, many friends rode with Michael, but few could stay the course, except Mallory.
For all of the things about Michael that were loved by so many; in spite of the bright future that others could see for him; Michael had moments when he lost sight of them all. In one of those moments when clouds eclipsed his vision, Michael made a fatal decision. On the other side of Eternity, loved ones pray that he has found peace. On this side of Eternity, they pray for peace themselves. Until the day dawns when life on earth truly becomes..."as it is in Heaven," loved ones will pray for the Serenity to accept what they cannot change; the Courage to change what they can; and the Wisdom to discern the difference. Remembering Michael's life with both tears and laughter, they will gather to celebrate in faith, the Love that joins them now and forever.
Michael is survived by his parents, Margaret and Willie King of Sugar Grove, IL; his paternal grandparents, Anna J. and Willie King Sr. of Sugar Grove; his maternal grandmother, Therese Monckton of Glen Ellyn; his aunt, Terrie King (who was as much his "big sister" as his aunt); two brothers and one sister; William T. King III, Thomas P. King and Anna P. King, all of Sugar Grove; one half-brother, David Barrios of Champaign, IL; one half-sister, Marlena Barrios of Kentucky; his girlfriend, Mallory Ness of Yorkville, IL; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Lewis P. Monckton Jr.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 19, 2005 at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Masonic services will follow at 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20, at 10 a.m. at the church. The Rev. Steve Good will officiate and interment will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to help others in his memory. Checks may be made payable to the Michael King Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at this same address or through www.conleycare.com.
Arrangements entrusted to
Conley Funeral Home, Elburn.
1-800-8-CONLEY
