STEPHEN W. KING

Stephen W. "Steve" King, 81, of Piqua, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Born in Piqua on October 29, 1942 to Charles and Dorthea (Reed) King, Steve spent a life filled with love, service, and dedication. He married his wife, Mary Kathleen Ryan, whom he adored, on June 29, 2019, and she survives him.

Steve was a devoted father to his four children: Stephen W. (Sarah) King II of Summerville, South Carolina, Kellee (Jason) Moore of Casstown, Kristin (Jeremy) Wright of Acworth, Georgia, and Kiefer (Brittany) King of Piqua. He cherished his two stepchildren, Matthew (Sara) Ryan of Troy, and Katy (Michael) Jacomet of Piqua. His memory also lives on in his seven grandchildren, Jameson, Kelsey, A.J., Logan, Kettler, Declan, and Warren; and five step-grandchildren, Charlie, Lydia, Anna, Sophia, and Ava. He was preceded in death by his infant twins, George and Marilee King.

A 1960 graduate of Piqua Central High School, Steve went on to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Cincinnati in 1964, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college, he joined the United States Army, excelling in Officer Candidate School and earning the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He served in Stuttgart, Germany, for over two years before being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1972. Steve pursued his Juris Doctor at The Ohio State University, where he graduated Cum Laude and contributed to the Law Review. Steve was an active member and donor of the Salvation Army. His appreciation for the organization extended from their care and attention to his father after being wounded at a battle in Nice, France during World War II. For 52 years, Steve served as an attorney in Miami County. He established the Public Defender Office and ran his private practice, Princi & King Co., LPA, for over 30 years before retiring on August 31, 2024. His longtime partner, Paul RF Princi, described Steve as the best partner anyone could ask for and noted that the way he cared about his clients was truly unmatched.

Steve was passionate about golf, hockey, and football, specifically the University of Michigan football, which he loyally supported despite his family’s divided opinions. His daughter Kristin claimed that even though his love for Michigan football took shape while supporting her hockey endeavors in the state, she couldn’t be held responsible for his spirited fandom. Known for his many unique quirks, Steve had a penchant for collecting hats, sunglasses, ink pens, and various items from college bookstores. His affection also extended to his many cats, who each received the most special attention from him. Steve will be remembered for the way he loved, his calming presence, an unwavering intelligence, and a genuine care for people. His impact on those around him is profound and he left a legacy that will be deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Eric Bowman as the Celebrant. A private burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Immediately following the mass, an open house will be held at the home of Mike & Katy Jacomet, 5485 Troy-Sidney Rd., Piqua, OH 45356. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Broadway, Piqua, OH 45356, or Hospice of Miami County, Inc., 3230 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of STEPHEN W. KING, please visit our floral store.