Howard D. King

Howard Douglas King, 82, of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, entered into eternal rest on November 14, 2025. He was born on August 2, 1943, in Martinsville (Horsepasture), Virginia, to LuEmma King and Howard Martin Walker. He was lovingly reared primarily by his maternal grandmother, Lottie Adams Smith, and his aunt, Iris Holland Johnson.

Howard received his early education in the Martinsville, Virginia, school system before later attending the Sharon and Farrell School Districts. After earning his high school diploma, he graduated from the New Castle School of Trades with a certificate in Building and Construction. He was remarkably gifted and could construct or repair almost anything.

A man of remarkable work ethic, Howard held various jobs in retail and food service while living in New Jersey, but most of his professional life was spent in the steel industry. He worked briefly at the former National Castings plant in Sharon, Pennsylvania, before later beginning what would become a distinguished 50-plus-year career at the same mill—first as Sharon Steel Corporation, then Caparo, Duferco, and finally NLMK. Howard served in numerous capacities throughout the company’s transitions, its bankruptcy, closure, and eventual reopening. He was a proud member of the original crew that returned when the plant resumed operations. Upon his retirement in 2015, he was affectionately honored as the “King of the Mill” and “The Real Man of Steel.”

Howard was not only a dedicated laborer but also a devoted man of God. Ordained as a deacon in the Baptist tradition, he served faithfully at the Cedar Avenue Church of God, where he was active in the men’s ministry, choir, and the Council of Elders. He also worked, briefly, at the National Association of the Church of God Campground in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, and remained a committed member of the National Association until his passing.

In 1998, Howard became a member of the former Erie Street Church of God—now New Life Family Worship Center in Franklin, Pennsylvania—when his wife was appointed pastor. For 27 years, he served the congregation with steadfast devotion as an Elder, a member of the men’s ministry, and a trusted supporter of his wife’s ministry. He was also an original member of the Berean Fellowship of Churches in Columbus, Ohio.

On November 29, 1982, Howard married his lifelong partner, soul mate, and love of his life, Rev. Dr. Lora Annette Adams-King. Their union was blessed with six daughters: Raquel Green, Selena King, Tiffany King, Noel King, Jasmine Musgrave (Franklyn, Jr.), and Faith King. His daughters were the joy of his life. Howard was further blessed with twelve grandchildren—Markell Somerset, Maia Green, Ethan King-Vincent, Jadon King-Vincent (whom he was rearing), Charles Drummond, Ryleigh Drummond, Gabriel Rainey, Demetrius Lee, Jr., Franklyn Musgrave III, Theodore Musgrave, Columbia Musgrave, and Journei King (whom he lovingly raised from birth as his daughter)—as well as five godchildren: DeVaron (Mirsolav) Flint, Allyson Smith, Tauheeda Snowell, Anthony Snowell, and Damon Avery, Jr.

Howard was an avid sports fan and an enthusiastic traveler. He and Lora journeyed across the country supporting their favorite college, NBA, and NFL teams, especially while cheering on their nephew, Michael, during his seasons with Ohio State, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Chicago Bears. Together, they traveled to destinations such as New York, Chicago, Georgia, California, Florida, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Ireland, Greece, Canada, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, and many others. Howard also took great joy in supporting his wife and the students of the Farrell Area School District, faithfully attending school events and lending a helping hand wherever needed.

Howard is survived by his devoted wife and children; six sisters, Sherilyn Gilbert (Joseph), Karen Smith (Duane), Georgia Walker, Jervel Walker, Cecile Butts, and Iris Robinson; one brother, Rochelle Walker (Gracie); and an aunt, Jean Flemming. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandmother; Aunt Iris; stepmother, Bessie Draper; stepfather, Clarence Robinson; brothers, Clovis Walker, Steve Walker, and Alfred Walker; and sisters, Alexis Avery, Beverly Robinson, and Belinda Hailey.

Howard will be remembered for his unwavering faith, steadfast work ethic, deep love for his family, and generous spirit. His legacy of service, devotion, and strength will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

A Home Going Service will be held in his honor on Friday, November 21, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM, at Cedar Avenue Church of God, 1045 Cedar Avenue, Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146, where family and friends may pay their respects from 10:00 until 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage, Pennsylvania.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at: www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. King was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service LLC, Brookfield, Ohio. (330-509-3135)