Dennis Lee King

Dennis Lee King, age 77, passed away in the early morning hours of August 15, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Margery and parents, Howard and Mary.

He is survived by his sons Dr. Darrin King (Sherrie), Dr. Kevin King, brother James King, and grandchildren Jorrie and Carson.

Denny was born June 10, 1946 in Danville and raised in the village of Fithian. He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1964. Dennis married Margery Kentner in May 1968 at Saint Josephs Catholic Church in Danville. He enlisted in the Illinois National Guard in 1969 and served as the 54th Division photographer. He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant in 1975. Denny began his career as an Engineering Technician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 1970s. He worked on research and development involving seed corn, soybeans, and livestock. Denny took great pride in assisting with the research projects of many University of Illinois graduate students over the years. He retired in 2005 to care for his ailing wife.

Dennis had a passion for photography and was a lifelong auto racing enthusiast. A chance encounter with the legendary Tony Hulman in 1970 led to Denny becoming an Associated Press photographer for the Indy 500. For over 30 years, Denny was stationed on turns three and four of the famous raceway where he captured many historic photos that found their way into newspapers and magazines across the world.

Most of all, Denny took great joy in his loving and beautiful wife Marge. They met through a mutual friend in 1963, and he cared for her up to her passing in 2006. His sons Darrin and Kevin were a source of ongoing pride. Dennis always went above and beyond to encourage and facilitate their academic achievements. Nothing made him happier than seeing their success as orthodontists.

Dennis was entombed in a private ceremony at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville on August 18, 2023.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 assisted the family with arrangements.

Please join Dennis family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .