O.L. "Vern" King of Indianola left his earthly home to be with his heavenly Father on November 28, 2006 after a courageous fight with Lewy Body Disease.

Okal Laverne King was born in Unionville, MO to Okal and Zelma (Ledford) King on April 6, 1925. He graduated from Unionville High School and moved to Des Moines in 1943. He served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of World War II and served at Iwo Jima. Vern retired from Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1981 where he was an engineer and a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

He married the love of his life and his best friend, Freda Ann Miller on February 14, 1976. They built a new home in rural Prole where they resided for the duration of their life together until they moved to Indianola three months ago. Vern and Freda enjoyed traveling and camping and made many trips to the Big Horn Mountains. They also enjoyed many years of owning and riding horses. Vern played the banjo and had a love of bluegrass music. Vern and Freda also enjoyed country western dancing with many good friends. Vern had a special love for his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

He was a member of the loving church family of the First Baptist Church of Norwalk, IA and was devoted to God and his loving savior, Jesus Christ.

Vern is survived by his wife, Freda Ann King of Indianola, Daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Carl Schnathorst of Indianola, Daughter and companion, Kathleen Carper and Pete Byers of Indianola, Son and daughter Pat and Kelly Smith of Indianola, and Son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Julie Smith of Urbandale. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Tiffany Fink and husband Terry, Josh and Cory Kellow, Kristen and Jason Smith, Cody and Austin Smith, and CJ, Caleb and Cheyenne Schnathorst as well as five great-grandchildren Trey and Tiernan Fink, Darin and Seth Kellow, and Kai Smith. He is survived by two brothers, Ken King of rural Prole, and James King of Des Moines, and two sisters Valdeen Smith of Independence, MO and Melva White of Monet, MO along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Okal and Zelma King, a brother, Marvin King and a sister, Helen Latham.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Care 7975 University Blvd., Clive. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2 at 10 a.m. at the Indianola Regular Baptist Church, 1209 E 2nd Ave., Indianola with burial following at the Norwalk Cemetery, Norwalk, IA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Norwalk, IA or the Alzheimer’s Association.