Thomas Maurice "Tom" King, age 78 and a longtime resident of Elwood, went to his Heavenly home on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Miller's Merry Manor in Tipton following a 3-month illness.  He was born on February 12, 1938 in Judsonia, Arkansas, the son of Thomas Edward and Bertha Jane (Landis) King.  Tom was the owner of Tom King Construction and worked as a contractor and skilled excavator for more than 39 years right up until 2016 when health issues began.  He also formerly worked on road construction for 17 years with his son, Jeff.  He married Deborah L. "Debbie" Davenport on January 29, 1976, and they shared more than 41 years of marriage together.  Tom was an outstanding provider for his family and was known for being a perfectionist with his work.  He attended the Bethel Tabernacle Church of God in Kokomo, and he himself had ministered to many people in the Elwood community over the years.  He officiated numerous funeral services and ceremonies around the community whenever he was called upon and able.  Tom never met a stranger; enjoyed telling and hearing a good joke; and had a great sense of humor.  He was never afraid to share his faith with personal story with anyone who would listen.  Tom also loved gospel music and formerly traveled with Debbie singing and playing his guitar.  He especially liked talking on the telephone; enjoyed fishing; and always looked forward to traveling back to Arkansas to visit family.  Tom was known for helping his friends for free, and normally expected nothing in return.  More than anything, Tom will be remembered for being devoted to his family, and he was especially proud of his grandchildren.

Tom's family includes his beloved wife, Debbie King of Elwood; 4 children, Jeff (wife Nea) King of Fairmount, Bryan King of Fairmount, Garland "Gar" (wife Lisa) King of Avon, and Stacie (husband Pastor Mike) Anderson of Washington, IN; 2 sisters, Olivia Laxton of Bradford, AR and Patsy (husband Joe) Lynch of Bald Knob, AR; brother, Roger (wife Kay) King of Bald Knob, AR; 3 grandchildren, Daphine (husband Scott) Craig of Fairmount, Kaitlyn King of Avon, and Mackenzie King of Avon; 2 great-grandchildren, Bryson Harris of Avon and Davyna King of Avon; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers, George Allen King, Ruon King, Landis King, Troy King, Cletis King, and Bobby Joe King; 2 sisters, Wanda Louks and Nellie VanWinkle; granddaughter, Jordan King; and especially close nephew, Charles King.

An uplifting funeral service celebrating Tom's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with his son-in-law, Pastor Mike Anderson, officiating.  Burial will follow in Curtisville Cemetery in Curtisville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 8 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral on Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.