LEEDS – Nelson H. King, 83, a resident of King Road in Leeds, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 30, 1924, in Wayne, the son of Henry and Elsie (Wing) King. He attended school in Wayne. He served in the U.S. Army as a muleskinner during the African and European Theater; he took part in the invasion of Italy, and landed on the beaches at Anzio. He was injured in France, and was awarded a Purple Heart. In 2004, Gov. John Baldacci gave him an award for being the last living muleskinner that lived in Maine who served during World War II.

On March 17, 1945, he married Gladys Burnham in Leeds; she passed away July 18, 1994. He worked at Highmoor Farms in Monmouth, and later was a truck driver for Blue Rock Industries in Leeds.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, loved to bowl with his friends and family, loved playing cribbage with his nephew, Melvin, and was an avid Red Sox fan. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Veilleux and her husband, Donald, of Lewiston and Marcia Helms and her companion, Gerald Piper, of Leeds; a grandson, Timothy Helms and his companion, Beth Audet, of Leeds; and his sister, Ella Harrington of Winslow.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys; a sister, Edith Harrington; two brothers, Wilbur Nickerson and Lafayette Nickerson; and also his beloved dog, Rebel.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the dedicated care from Central Maine Medical Center and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.