Charles W. King, 80, of Bellaire, passed away on April 12, 2015 at his home. Mr. King was a well-known figure in the Michigan judo community.
He loved judo throughout his life and achieved rank of 6th degree blackbelt. He was 3 time Amatuer Athletic Union Champion and he ran the 4H Judo Club. he will be missed by his students and his many judo friends.
Mr. King was born on October 15, 1934, in Dearborn, MI, the son of Ferdinand and Henrietta (Vasher) King. Chuck grew up in Detroit and Chicago, IL and vacationed in the Bellaire area. He moved permanently to Bellaire in 1971 and taught judo and law enforcement self defense at NMC in Traverse City.
While in Bellaire drag racing, he met his wife of many years, Barbara Hierlihy and the two were married on August 10, 1957. He is survived by his wife Barbara King of Bellaire, 2 daughters, Annette (Ivan) Kroupa of Mattawan, MI, Mary Ann King of Interlochen, MI, 4 grandchildren, Jeff, Alex (Cassie), Amanda, Patrick, one great-granddaughter Noelle, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Larry and James King, and a sister Mary Lou Gregory.
Anyone that wishes to send a memorial contribution can send them to the Bellaire Area Senior Center, PO BOX 614, Bellaire, or to St. Luke Catholic Church, PO BOX 799, Bellaire. Private family services will take place. Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please click here to sign sign the online guestbook.
Konan Judo 
April 19, 2015 at 10:20 am |
Charlie was a no nonsense kind of guy. I enjoyed talking with him on many occasions, and vividly remember getting a great workout while visiting his dojo. Rest in peace Charlie.