Troy Glen King, 62, of Hanford, CA, died on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
Mr. King was born in October 1958, in Hillsboro, to Terry Glen Smith and Eva King. Mr. King grew up in Hanford, CA, in the country, and loved that lifestyle. In his early years he was active in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Hanford High School in 1976, where he was on the cross country team and played tennis.
Mr. King joined the US Marine Corps in June 1977, serving as a helicopter mechanic/crew chief where he maintained CH-46 Chinook helicopters. He was a recruiter in Cape Giradeau, MO, a substation of the Marine Recruiting Station in St. Louis, MO, from 1983 to 1986. He served on the USS New Orleans several times including Desert Storm, Desert Saber and Desert Shield-Kuwait. Mr. King also served in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. He finished his military career in Yuma, AZ, and provided senior leadership in his assigned unit until his retirement as Master Sergeant in July 1997. Throughout his career he received numerous awards and decorations including the Navy Commendation Medal and Air Medal (Strike/Flight) with Star and travelled to all parts of the world in support of military operations.
After retirement, he worked various jobs as senior aircraft mechanic, a maintenance mechanic and a truck driver. He enjoyed outdoor life, riding horses, motorcycles, 4-wheelers and dune buggies, as well as fishing. Before suffering from a debilitating brain injury in April 2007, he had dreams of creating a ranch where disabled veterans could ride and bond with horses to aid in the treatment of PTSD and other related issues.
Mr. King is survived by his mother; sister, Stacie Annon of Lemoore, CA; brother, Matthew King of Highland; sons, Troy Glen Smith (Smitty) King of Lemoore, CA, and Justin Joseph Smith King of Tulare, CA; and grandchildren, Kaylee, Carson and Colton King of Lemoore, CA.
He was preceded in death by his biological father; adoptive father, James (Jim) Edgar King; and grandparents, Joseph and Carolyn Smith of Coffeen and O.J. and Rosa Robinson of California.
Condolences may be sent to Eva King, 204 East Encore Drive, Hanford, CA, 93230.
