Rev. Calvin King

AKRON- Rev. Calvin Ray King, age 84, flew Home on Sun. May 27 due to complications from his recent knee replacement surgery.  Preceded in death by Burdette and Mildred (nee Fike) King VanDervort (Fred) and brothers William and Gene King. Survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Patricia (nee Matyas) King, their children, Evelyn (Kevin) Metcalf, of Huntersville, NC, Rachel (Rod) Eldred, of Conneaut, Ohio, and five grandchildren, Alexis Rhodes, Zachary Rhodes, Sidney Metcalf, Reeve Metcalf and Liam Metcalf.

There is no easy way to give summary to a life fully lived. Cal was beloved by all he met.

After graduating from Warren G. Harding High School in 1952, he attended Ohio State University in Columbus, graduating in 1956 with a BA. He was admittedly not the best student, but he had a strong work ethic.  During summers, he worked at Heckett and Republic Steel, where he was given the nickname “Muscles.” Following graduation, he was drafted into the Army and proudly served in the 3rd Infantry Division as a rifleman from 1957-58.

The church was an important part of his life. Cal graduated from The Methodist Theological School of Ohio, in May 1964, with a Masters of Divinity. Cal lovingly and faithfully served eight churches over the next 31 years.

Cal’s ministry was rich with humor, connecting the Word of God to the human condition through earthly sources of inspiration such as Charles Schultz’s Peanuts and his passion for clown ministry. He conducted seminars called Laugh for Life, and created NUF Inc., a company meant to spread self confidence, fulfillment of dreams and FUN! At the age of 59, Cal proudly graduated, summa clown laude, from the Ohio Clown School in Akron.

After retiring from the ministry, he worked for local mortgage companies as a closer until 2016. He and Pat were Santa and Mrs. Claus during the holidays for corporations and family events. Cal also enjoyed performing in various roles such as his clown character, Mr. Bee, Johnny Appleseed, a leprechaun and the Easter Bunny.

Cal King was a visionary. The books he inspired, A Nighttime Trip to Planet NUF and The Day Kyle Met NUF promote intrapersonal awareness and self-acceptance. He was working on his autobiography, We All Were Little Once, at: www.nufstuff.weebly.com.

Cal, an eternal child of God, passed peacefully, embraced by his loving family. Calling hours will be held Mon. June 4th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life conducted by Rev. Marvin Brown, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at The First United Methodist Church, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. The graveside service will immediately follow the service at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home: www.cliffordshoemaker.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a love offering be made to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home or to Pat King, to help with funeral and medical costs. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.