Obituaries

Elmer "Gene" King

Photo of Elmer "Gene" King
Elmer "Gene" King died Friday January 19 at the age of 84 in San Diego. He had lived there for more than six decades and for a long time had a second home in Palm Desert. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Martha, in 2009. He is survived by his son Grant and wife Shelly of Eagle, Idaho and two grandchildren, Tanner of Scottsdale and Lauren of Boise. His love of art and architecture led to travels around the world and for extended periods he and his wife lived in England, France and Spain. His travels also allowed him to write articles for newspapers and magazines. An avid photographer, his articles were frequently accompanied by pictures he had taken on these trips. Born in 1933 near Mountain Home, Arkansas he graduated from Arkansas State University, where he majored in Journalism and English and edited the school paper, the Echo. It was at Arkansas State where he met and married Martha Miller, a fellow student. He worked for the Arkansas Democrat until being drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served in the Pacific Fleet and worked as the editor of the force-wide paper. A candidate for Officers Training School, he chose to return to civilian life where he became a public relations pioneer and was in the first accreditation class of the Public Relations Society of America. Before forming his own public relations agency, the King Company, he worked for a time as a representative in San Diego for D'Arcy, one of the country's largest advertising agencies. He worked with many institutions of San Diego, including St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, San Diego Symphony and San Diego Ballet along with many charity organizations. In 2002, Mr. King received the Robinson Cross "for decades of service" to St. Paul's Cathedral for his long service to the church in almost every volunteer position. His services will be held at the Cathedral on Saturday, February 17th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers he would ask that you make a donation to the Cathedral at: St. Paul's Cathedral - 2728 Sixth Ave, San Diego, Calif. 92103.

Published February 15, 2018

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