Dennis R. King
Our father, Dennis Ray King, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 70 at his home on December 7, 2022. He was born May 18, 1952, in Lansing, to Leon and Helen (Jenkins) King. Dennis had fond memories of growing up on Lansing’s north end where he began his love for baseball–attending Sheridan Road School and eventually graduating from J.W. Sexton High School in 1970. As he often liked to tell us, our dad started working from the time he was a kid—ironing shirts for his family for 10 cents each. That strong work ethic continued and when combined with a niche for customer service and sales and his desire for ownership, he opened the first Michigan Where House Records store in East Lansing in 1976. He was 24 years old. That record store soon turned into a chain of mid-Michigan record stores with devoted staff and loyal customers. As the record industry evolved and the digital age began to rise, our dad sadly had to end that journey, but he promptly started another, continuing his love for retail, his co-workers and employees, and again, his dedicated customers. This journey ended with his final post at Kelly Fuels. Our dad was generous in spirit and loved beyond measure.
He is survived by, Cara (Michael) McSurely and Kelly (Matthew) Sesti; grandchildren, Ian, Zach and Gabe McSurely, and Madi and Ben Sesti; brother, Ronald King; several nieces and nephews, including his nephew, Lee King and his niece Samantha King. He also leaves behind two lifelong hunting buddies and faithful best friends, Chip Refior and Tom Musolf. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Leon “Rick” King, Jr., and his mentor, Frederick Wilkins, Sr.
His family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel beginning at 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022, and ending with eulogies and sharing by family and friends at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions maybe made in our father’s name, to support the new community center being developed in the former Otto Middle School, Lansing, Michigan. Donations may be made to the non-profit establishing this community center AC3 at www.advancementcorp.org, or,checks may be sent directly to Advancement Corporation, P.O. Box 4553, East Lansing, Michigan, 48826, in memory of Dennis King. Donations may also be made in our father’s honor to the American Cancer Society.
Thank you.
19 Messages to “Dennis R. King”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Brenda Secord
December 9, 2022 at 12:09 pmSo sorry to hear about Dennis It was an honor to have known him for over 39 years and his warm generous spirit.
Bridget Hughes
December 9, 2022 at 1:08 pmDeepest condolences to Cara, Kelly, and their families. Know that we’re with you through this difficult time. Lots of love from the Hughes family to yours.
Charles & Samantha Mulkey
December 9, 2022 at 1:19 pmMy husband and I loved Denny very much! We will both miss him more than words can say. He was like a second dad to me.
Joseph A. Faggion II
December 9, 2022 at 1:44 pmMy condolences to the King family.
I met Denny through his brother Ron and at the Where House Records Stores.
Rest in Peace my friend
God Bless !
Angela Jenkins
December 9, 2022 at 2:20 pmPraying for your family!
John Scott
December 9, 2022 at 4:05 pmMy condolences! Especially to Lee, whom I well remember from working in the stores during the early 80s.
It was devastating when he had to close the West Saginaw store, but I have fond memories from my time at WHR.
Jennifer Winkelmann
December 9, 2022 at 7:31 pmSo sorry to hear about his passing. I remember him and the family from working at the Ann Arbor store. I hope you will find comfort in memories and that time brings you peace.
Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Elaine Stanfield
December 9, 2022 at 8:21 pmDennis was our neighbor during the 1980’s in Williamston.. When the New Year’s Eve, 1985 Ice storm knocked out all the electricity in the area for one whole week, Dennis helped the neighborhood men to shuffle around a few generators so we all could get some heat. The electricity finally came back on, and we neighbors were all invited to the King home to celebrate. Those were good memories.
Marsha Zeman Bohnett
December 9, 2022 at 9:30 pmRest In Peace Dennis R. King, or as we knew him “Denny”. Our condolences to Cara and Kelly and their families. We have fond memories of Denny and his family in the old Williamston neighborhood. They were the first family we met when we moved to Williamston in 1979. Lots of driveway basketball games were enjoyed. Many good times. Love from the Zeman family to yours.
Peet van der walt
December 10, 2022 at 4:42 amMy condolences.
Heather Frarey
December 10, 2022 at 9:35 amSending my deepest sympathy to the whole family especially Cara and Kelly . Your dad hired me when I was 15 in 1979 when I would ride my bike to the store daily until finally I got a job. Working at WHR was some of the best years of my life and I took all I learned there to have my own shop . He built a great business and knew the right people to put in each shop where each store had a different personality. Again I’m sorry for your loss
Lou Sesti
December 10, 2022 at 10:46 amRemember you & Leslie as newcomers to Williamston with “the volleyball group” – such great times – such great friends forever! God Bless !
Fenech Family
December 10, 2022 at 11:15 amWe are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers with you.
Narda Murphy
December 10, 2022 at 2:13 pmMy deepest condolences to Cara and Kelly and their beautiful families. May the memories of a life together bring smiles as you gather to celebrate your dad’s life.
Joe Mulder
December 10, 2022 at 10:21 pmI am very sad to hear of Denny’s passing. I knew Dennis from school and growing up on the Northside. One of my best memories of those times was the trip to Florida in 1970. We bought a 1964 Ford van and spent spring break along the east coast living out of it. Dennis always had a natural business sense. When we got back from the trip, he sold the van for a profit and wrote me a check.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Samantha King
December 11, 2022 at 12:21 pmUncle Denny… it’s been too long, all the happiness you would always bring around with the BIGG SMILE on your face! You was always in good spirits nobody ever knew if your were sad or mad! Your smile is contagious! Your Love is contagious! Something you gave me when I was younger and I have now passed on to my 2 boys, King is in kindergarten and the teacher said “he greets everyone every morning with a big smile on his face” I say “it runs in the family!”! I couldn’t have asked for a better uncle, you raised a wonderful beautiful family and they will carry on your legacy with their heads held high. I use to get so excited when grandpa would say “we’re going to Dennis’s house” I would NEVER MISS IT! It’s been 5 years since I’ve seen you. It feels like yesterday. Now you’re our families guardian angel along with grandpa grandma and uncle Rick. Please just look out for your clumsy little brother Ron! We Miss You so much already, and Love You with everything in us! I will always be here if the girls need me, and your son in laws and the grandkids WE ARE KINGS AND WE ARE FAMILY!! As I know they are there for me!
Rest Peacefully with your Dad Mom and Big Brother.
Until we meet again Unc!
Love You Always and Forever!
Samantha King, Andrew Luna, King and Lennex
Micky Mann
December 12, 2022 at 12:54 pmSo sorry to hear that he has passed…heaven got a good one. I knew Denny from school and growing up in the north end. Prayers and love to the family.
Billy Orr
December 31, 2022 at 8:30 pmSo sorry about Dennis passing. I’ve tried to find him on social media and the wherehouse records Facebook page. To get get I thought of him and googled his name and the obituary came up. This is Bill Orr, his cousin in Arkansas. Condolences to Cara, Kelly, and Ronnie.
Kimberly Buskirk Patton
October 31, 2023 at 8:11 amI am so sorry to just hear this! I worked for Dennis for many years!! I started the “gift” sections first in Mt. Pleasant store then adding to it others. I was still working there when they closed the doors. It was a great job!
Hugs to you all