Howard Hunt King

Howard Hunt King, 91, died on March 15^th, 2021.  He was born in Indianapolis in 1929 to Fletcher and Margaret King.

Howdy was a 1950 graduate of Shortridge High School and attended Michigan State on a football scholarship and later the University of Miami (FL).  During the Korean War he served four years on aircraft carriers throughout the Pacific as a radio electronics technician.  He was a charter member of the Indianapolis Sailing Club in 1956 and would go on to serve as its commodore in 1988.  During the club’s early years, he helped establish the Thistle, DN Iceboat, and Laser fleets and was instrumental in the development of the junior sailing training programs.  Because of his enthusiasm and contribution to the National Thistle Class, he was elected Honorary Rear Commodore in 1977.  Along with his father, Howard founded a sailboat dealership, building and repair business called King Marine in 1957 and over the next 50+ years, would go on to introduce hundreds of people to his beloved sport of sailing.   He was known to many as the “sailboat doctor”, continuing to repair boats and sew sails and covers from his home shop long into retirement.  He and Mary shared a love of the outdoors, camping and traveling throughout the country.

Howard was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church of Indianapolis and regularly worked out almost every morning at the Jordan YMCA with Mary.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan and his son-in-law, Robert L. Royce.  He was a loving father and husband, survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary; his children: Carol King-Royce, Kathryn (Scott) Senese, and Bruce (Noelle) King; and his four grandchildren: Gina Senese, Annie Senese, Fletcher King, and Dexter King.

The family encourages friends to share their memories of Howdy on his eternal tribute page below.  A celebration of his life will be planned for a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Health Network Foundation by clicking HERE.