On October 2, 2022, Gerald "Gerry" King, 75, of Robinson, IL went home to be with his Heavenly Father.  Born January 14, 1947, he was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Margaret King, and brother Larry King.  On September 9, 1967 he married Twylah Ruddell who survives as well their three children Geoffrey (Mollie), Sara (Christopher) and Andrew (Heidi) and seven grandchildren;  Isaac, Hannah, Alaina, Elizabeth, Addison, Emma, and Henry.  Gerry grew up in Robinson attending elementary and high school, graduating in the class of 1965.  He was scouted by Murray State University's coach Johnny Reagan and offered a Div. 1 baseball scholarship to play with the MSU Thoroughbreds from 1965-67.  In 1967 Gerry transferred to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL graduating in 1970 with a B.S. Ed, in 1972 he completed a M.S. Ed. in Guidance and Ed Psyc. In 1970 he began his career in Carroll Co, IL as a dual district guidance counselor for Chadwick and Thomson Schools.  During his tenure he approached the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY., to propose the Academy host high school counselors and administrators to tour its facilities, familiarizing themselves to better counsel students in their district for application there as future cadets.  West Point officially began that program and Gerry was one of the first groups to visit the Academy.  For his endeavors Gerald King was awarded Honorary Officer and Admissions Advisor to the West Point Military Academy by the U.S. Army and West Point Military Academy.  At Chadwick couching J/V basketball and establishing a golf team were two extracurricular activities he pursued.  His love of flying was also fulfilled when he attained his private pilot's license in 1972 and his family and friends gave him his moniker "Sky King. "In 1973he chose to leave public school and accept the challenge of private education with Shimer College, Mt. Carroll, IL, founded in 1853.  In late fall of 1973 Shimer filed bankruptcy and Gerry accepted the position of admissions counselor at Washington University, St. Louis, MO.  In 1974 he wished to return to northern Illinois and was hired Director of Admissions for the newly established Stephenson Area Career Center (SACC) located on the Highland Jr College campus, Freeport, IL.  Over the course of that year he and director Shelly Carey directed the construction, hiring of staff, and promotion of student enrollment.  SACC would serve seven schools in the area and at opening had an enrollment of over 300 students its first year.  In 1977 his desire to return to Crawford County and "give back" came fruition when he was contracted by then acting county super intendent  of schools, Kenneth Caraway, to join his campaign for caraway's election of Lawrence-Crawford County Superintendent of Schools.  While serving as assistant superintendent he continued his education.  Transferring advance degree work from NIU, DeKalb, to EIU Charlestion, Gerry graduated in 1979 with an ED.D.  He later entered the business world in insurance and later aviation, establishing aircraft sales and aviation business.  In 2012 Gerry retired following open heart surgery in 2011.  Gerry King was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor to many and had a devout Christian faith.  He never lost his love of education and learning new things.  He pursued many interest including history, music, politics, flying, research, golf, and basketball.  He was a dreamer and an analyst of life, and believed that "if you can dream it, you can do it."  His family and friends, and especially his children were encouraged often with these words.  In celebration of Gerry King's life his family invites friends and family to the Crawford County Forest Preserve cabin Sunday, November 27 from 1:30-3:30 PM to share and reminisce with them.  Please join in his honor.