Charles King

Charles James King completed with honor his mortal existence on February 16, 2023, at the age of 86 of natural causes.  He had been a resident of Las Vegas for 72 years.  Chuck began his life’s journey on March 19, 1936, in San Francisco, CA to Charles C. King and Evelyn L. Roberts King.

Chuck is predeceased by both his parents, his sister Shirley, his stepmother Virginia Lawson and his stepdaughter Lisa Rose.  He is survived by his wife Karen, children Debra Mercer, Craig King, David King, and Julee King, step children Garry Hayes, Leslie VanDerwerken, Kristen Raskopf, Bryan Hayes, and Heidi Pretty, 25 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, his half-sister Mary King, and stepbrother Sam Lawson.

Chuck graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1954 and went to work for the Southern Nevada Telephone Company a week after graduation.  He spent just short of 40 years with the telephone company in a variety of positions starting as a lineman helper and ending as a manager over buildings, grounds, and vehicles.  During the 1979 and 1981 Nevada Legislative Sessions, Chuck represented the phone company as a lobbyist.

Continuing to acquire knowledge was important to Chuck. In 1954, Chuck enrolled in the first class of Nevada Southern (which would eventually become UNLV) and attended classes in the Las Vegas High School auditorium.  He also attended classes from the University of Kansas.  He received licenses as a plumbing contractor, real estate salesman, and real estate broker.  He learned to fly, received a private pilot license, and bought a Beechcraft Sierra airplane.  He completed a large number of training courses from 1959-1993.

Chuck had a great love and passion for community service and those who have benefited from Chuck’s activities over the decades is immeasurable.  Chuck participated in at least 18 community activities, many in leadership positions.  Some that stood out to him included:

United Way – Sponsored executive

Clark County Industrial Recreation Council – President

Nevada Safety Council – Treasurer and 2nd VP

Las Vegas Metro Police Civil Service Board - Member

Southern Nevada Personnel Association - Director

Independent Telephone Pioneer Association – National President

Girl Scouts – Director

Southern Nevada Girls Club – President

Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas – Board member

Chuck married Karen Wood Hayes on April 2, 1988. In February 1992, Chuck joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He continued his passion for service working as a family history volunteer and completing two senior missions with his wife Karen.  Chuck and Karen were able to travel extensively visiting around 75 countries on all seven continents.  Chuck felt it was important to stay in shape.  Until about the age of 80, he started each morning doing sit-ups and push-ups with the number equal to his age. He often challenged his grandchildren to push-up contests.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.  He loved watching sports and was an avid UNLV fan.  Chuck had a strong work ethic and a quirky sense of humor.  When given a task he had an all-in attitude.  He had an abiding faith in God and in His Plan.  Our community was a better place because God gave us Chuck King who served valiantly.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1001 N. Christy Lane, Las Vegas, NV.  Viewing 10 a.m., funeral 11 am.  Interment will be at Davis Memorial Park 6200 South Eastern Avenue
Las Vegas, NV at 3 p.m.