SMYRNA – Clarence D. “Dutch” King Sr., 70, of Smyrna, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in the Community Memorial Hospital of Hamilton.
Born in Boonville, NY on March 1, 1943, Dutch is the eldest son of Clarence “Pat” King and Nellie (Watts) King. Dutch attended school in Oxford and spent many childhood years on his Uncle Matt Franklin’s farm in Preston. Upon his uncle’s passing, he spent his teenage years attending school and working odd jobs in the McDonough, Oxford and Preston areas. As an adult, he returned to his love of dairy farming by owning a small farm and when he became too ill to continue, he sold the farm and began a thirteen year career with the Bendix Corporation in Sidney, as a truck driver.
Later, he returned to dairy farming, working on various family farms across Central New York, including Bay Hill Farm (Tony Bays), where he worked and lived and raised a family for many years. The only thing Dutch loved more than farming was his family.
On April 3, 1970, Dutch married the love of his life, his wife Rose King. Together they raised nine children, eight of whom survive today. His children are: Joann MaGee, Lansing, NY; Robert Sullivan and wife Barb of Norwich; Sharon Sullivan of Smyrna; Ronald Sullivan and wife Flora of Norwich; Clarence King Jr. and wife Chris of Sherburne; Nicole Hancock of Smyrna; Rose Ann Sala of Earlville; and Shawn King of New Berlin. Dutch is also survived by brothers Patrick King and wife Diane of Sherburne; Laverne King and wife Donna of Lebanon; and Theabelle Miller of North Carolina. Dutch is also survived by 22 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Dutch was predeceased by his wife Rose, son Gene, brothers Eugene and Everett, sisters Vivian Howe, Clara Clink, Lydia Arias, Beatrice King and Carol King.
Funeral services for Dutch will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In keeping with Dutch’s wishes there will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.