Vincent Mervin King's Obituary
Big Rapids - Dr. Vincent M. King, 80, of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.
He was born March 23, 1942, in Charlotte, the son of H. Ivan and Winifred (Sanford) King, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. Vincent attended Central Michigan University for his pre-optometry degree, and earned his PhD in Optometry from The Ohio State University.
For several years, Dr. King taught at the Pennsylvania School of Optometry. In 1975, he moved to Big Rapids, and was one of the original three professors to begin instructing at the newly created Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. His passion for teaching continued after his retirement in 2002, by guiding his children and grandchildren into lifelong learning. In his spare time, Dr. King enjoyed camping and flying model airplanes, and later in life he took up golfing.
On September 2, 1961, he married Shirley Ann Miller, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Steve (Luella) of Big Rapids, and Kevin (Cheryl) of Oxford; four grandchildren, Brianna, Marissa (Mary), Alexander, and Christopher; two great-grandchildren, Ellery and Jude; his brother Thomas (Sharon); and several nieces and nephews. Dr. King was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ivan, Richard, and Robert.
Private family services will take place at this time, and his remains will be laid to rest in the Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Michigan College of Optometry. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com
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