Delaware horseman Mark King dies

D. Mark King has died at age 53, shortly after horses he had raced at Harrington Raceway finished first and third on Oct. 25 after he was taken to Kent General Hospital in Dover, Del.

 

From a well-known and popular Delaware harness racing family, Mr. King worked with horses his entire life and was an owner, trainer, driver and a track blacksmith. He spent his career racing at Mid-Atlantic area racetracks. At Pocono Downs in 1985 Mr. King set a track record when he drove five winners on one program. He also raced at Dover Downs, Harrington, Georgetown and at Maryland tracks, Laurel Race Course and Rosecroft.

 

Mr. King is survived by his wife of 12 years, Tammy Lee King, his mother, Carole King of Harrington; sons B.J. Valdesere of Alabama, Dale Mark King Jr. of Pennsylvania; brothers, James King, Jr. and wife JoAnn, and David Wane King of Harrington; sisters, Tina Marie Bevans and Jackie Oates of Bridgeville, Del.; grandchildren Cheyenne, Gave and Bobbi Lynn; and several nephews and nieces.

 

Funeral services were held on Nov. 1 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, in Dover with internment at Immanuel Union United Methodist Church Cemetery, Cheswold, Del.

 

Contributions are suggested to be made to Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, Del. 19904 to help defray funeral expenses. (Dover Downs)