Joel Edward King, 36, of Urbana, Ohio passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, in his home, as was his widely announced plea. He was surrounded and supported that day by what he dubbed, when surveying those gathered around his bed, “the perfect crew”.
Joel was born on May 19, 1987, in Columbus, Ohio to delighted parents Kenneth and Barbara King. He was also welcomed by siblings Matthew, Elizabeth, and Rachel, who survive. He could not have been happier at the later addition of extra sister and brothers, Heather Gonzales, Joseph Szymanski, and Levi Hidinger; as well as his beloved nieces and nephews, Breana Szymanski, Andrew Szymanski, Mya Szymanski, Caleb Szymanski, Jameson Hidinger, and Lydia Hidinger, all of whom survive. Also surviving are a devoted grandma, Lydia King, and a plethora of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
While Joel’s body was limited by the cruel reality of a relentless disease, his life and spirit were not. Joel was able to voice his acceptance of this hardship. He deeply appreciated God’s grace in facing his daily challenges and God’s provision of relationships and experiences that enabled a life of joy, purpose and peace.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-8 PM on January 19, 2024, in Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana, Ohio.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024, with visitation one hour prior in the Urbana United Methodist Church with Pastor Christopher Dinnell and Pastor Wes Miller officiating.
Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, near the farm he came home to as a baby, loved as a child, and insisted he would buy when he grew up. We trust that there is an even sweeter setting for his eternity with Christ.
Memorial contributions in Joel’s honor may be made to Joni and Friends Ohio, 2682 N Columbus St. C, Lancaster OH 43130 https://joniandfriends.org/ohio/ or Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, 1012 14th Street NW Suite 500, Washington DC 20005 https://www.parentprojectmd.org/
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.