Donald J King

Donald (Don) James King, 74, passed away on April 28, 2025 at his residence. He was born July 16, 1950 in Toledo, OH to Earl and Helen Wilcox.

Don graduated from Sylvania HS in 1968 and went to the University of Toledo. He worked as a Claims Adjuster, and Senior Claims Adjuster for many Insurance Companies, the majority of his time was spent with Travelers Insurance with his good friend Joe Wester. He also worked for Indiana Insurance, Liberty Mutual, and Ohio Mutual. He was active in the Claims Association, and was a proud President for some years. He was very proud of his work with commercial claims, notably working Hurricane Andrew and helping famous people with their losses in Miami and surrounding areas.

Don had a very dry, sometimes dark, but funny sense of humor. He was well known for looking like Phil Donahue and Steve Martin and had fun with his name, who he shared with the famous boxing promoter. He loved to wear inappropriate shirts, and he wore them well past their time, sometimes to make his daughter cringe with his “cheapness.” The neighborhood kids would remember him always having white hair (even in his 20s), and if he didn’t like your perfume (which was all) or your hair spray (also all), he would make you stick your head out of the window in the car, yes, even in the winter. He loved to talk about his numerous pranks at Sylvania HS. He was stubborn to a fault, and really preferred to do everything for himself, he hated asking for help. He loved ice cream, and back in the 90s when on a diet, he added it to his Slim Fast so it would taste better (he did not always have the best rationale with things).

Don met Cheryl Birr at Household Finance in 1971 and they were married on May 11, 1973, and they had two children Erin and Ryan. Don worked hard to provide for the family, and spent a lot of time at various lakes, making his second home on Marble Lake at Sunset Cove in 1989. Don was happiest at the lake, he loved to be on his boat, especially pulling a tube and knocking kids into the water.  He had a love for lighthouses, and collies. When he was in better health, he would spend many weekends visiting our beloved Metroparks, making the kids walk farther than they would like. Don loved very most was being a grandpa “Papa” to Nick and Coral, and spending time with them at the lake, Binder Park Zoo, The Stables, movies, the Toledo Zoo and Jo Jo's Pizza. He taught his granddaughter to love NCIS when she was 3 years old, and they watched it along with other non-age-appropriate shows. He enjoyed telling them stories and watching them in dance, ballet, and all of their sports and activities.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Nancy, his nieces, Teresa, and Tammy. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, his children Erin Thompson (former spouse Jason) and Ryan King, and Erin and Jason’s children, Nicholas and Coral. He will be very missed by all of his family.

A celebration of life service will take place on Friday, May 9 at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560 from 11 AM to 1 PM followed by a short service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tri-state Collie Rescue or the Toledo Metroparks.

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