In Loving Memory

Charles Richard “Dick” King

3/3/1931 — 4/14/2026

Gilbert-Memorial-Park

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Charles Richard King, 95, was peacefully called home to be with Jesus on April 14, 2026, at Lund Home Hospice of the Valley in Gilbert, Arizona. He was surrounded by the love of his family.

Charles was born on March 3, 1931, in Chico, California. He lived a full and meaningful life marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and a strong work ethic. He was also known to have a very witty personality and loved teasing and joking. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas E. King.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 74 years, Ramona (Faust) King; daughter Karen M. DeFeo, wife of Joe; son Steven R. King, husband of Mary; son Daniel “Danny” J. King, husband of Jackie; and daughter Jenifer L. King-Trasser, wife of Joe; his sister, Patricia M. (King) Farley; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Charles honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1949 to 1953 during the Korean War. As a radar technician, he worked in the cockpit of aircraft, demonstrating courage, skill, and dedication to his country.

Following his military service, Charles graduated from UC Berkely in California with a business degree and built a successful career as a finance executive in the leisure and travel industry. His work took him around the world, culminating in his retirement with Princess Cruises, widely known as “The Love Boat.” His career reflected his adventurous spirit and appreciation for new experiences.

Outside of his professional life, Charles found great joy in woodworking, remodeling, painting, gardening, horseback riding, music, camping in “the great outdoors”, and travelling with their dear friends. Above all, he cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories with those he loved most.

A Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Clarendale of Chandler, 5900 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, Arizona 85249. Charles will be laid to rest with a Ceremonial Burial with Military Honors at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, Arizona 85297.

Charles will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his steadfast faith, loving heart, sense of humor, hugs, and the legacy he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association ( https://www.alz.org ) in Charles’s name.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Service

Monday, May 18, 2026 · 10:30 AM

Clarendale of Chandler, 5900 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, Arizona 85249

In Memory

Moments to treasure

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Sorelle Norman May 19, 2026

I have been thinking so much about Uncle Dick lately, and while it is difficult to say goodbye, I know he is looking down on us from heaven with that signature smile as we share our memories and love for him. I will always cherish his devotion to family, his quick wit, and his wonderful sense of humor. I am especially grateful for how he and Mona stepped up for me when my father passed away; even while grieving his own brother, Uncle Dick was an absolute rock for me. One of my fondest memories is our tradition of going out to eat together whenever our schedules allowed. I loved meeting at the house before heading out to try somewhere new for breakfast or lunch. We always took turns buying, even though Uncle Dick never failed to offer to pick up the tab. From that first birthday meal at Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant in Gilbert to our trips to Red White and Brew for a Kilt Lifter, Outback Steakhouse, and North Italia to name a few, those moments were truly special. I can still feel his big, strong hugs and see his ear-to-ear smile followed by his endless jokes and one-liners. Whether he was teasing me about my height or joking that he was the "asset" I needed for a Princess Cruise, he always kept me laughing. My favorite of his sayings remains: “Getting Old Ain’t For Sissies”. “ I’m getting ready to retire from Princes Cruise Line, you better use your assets, and book a cruise. By the way Im your asset” “am I getting taller or are you shrinking” “You’re almost taller than Mona” “I do the listening and Mona does the talking” “Wait, I do the listening and the talking, Mona can’t get a word in edgewise” “I drive and Mona tells me where to go” Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life, Uncle Dick. I still treasure the massive two-piece solid wood wall unit you made, and I will always carry these happy memories with me. You will always be my favorite uncle. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to you, Mona, and the entire family during this time. With love, Sorelle

Debra Anderson May 11, 2026

I’m so sad to hear of Uncle Dicks passing. I loved seeing he and Mona on their visits to Wisconsin. I visited them in Chandler at their current place a few years ago and it was good to catch up. LOL

❦

Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery