Celes King IV; Noted L.A. Civil Rights & Business Leader Succumbs
March 20, 2014
On Saturday, March 15, well known community leader, political and civil rights activist, Celes King IV, passed away from heart failure in San Diego. He was surrounded by family and close friends.
Celes King IV was born in Los Angeles on October 19, 1943, the first born of legendary Civil Rights leader and Bail Bondsman to the stars, General Celes King III, and Anita Lugo King. As a youth he drove for his father and mother and in this capacity with his sister Teri he was able to participate in their parents hosting of prominent figures from around the world. After attending Antioch College Celes IV, left the family business, set out on his own and managed several businesses throughout the country before returning to participate in the multi generational family business built around the Celes King Bail Bond companies. After his return to the fold, the family suffered the loss of both parents and Celes IV then joined with his sister Teri who managed administration of the Bail Bond business internally with Celes IV handling the expediting of external affairs.
With characteristic determination Celes founded the Family Foundation named after his parents. He was also president and CEO of the King Central Self Development Foundation, The Phoenix Alliance and served on several Boards including the California Black Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board of Pacific Oaks College, and the Lillian Mobley Black Health and Education Task Force.
“Celes IV, the oldest son of a great man was driven to succeed far beyond any ordinary standards in order to righteously fill his father’s shoes by carrying forth the family legacy and taking it even to an extra step forward in every project he undertook,” said Kingdom Day Parade Chairman and family friend, Adrian Dove.
“ We are thrilled to now to have witnessed Celes having succeeded. His ultimate focus has always been community and family. His parents’ family motto, ‘Success is one step behind where you stop.’”
Celes King IV, or “Uncle Mike” as children of the family and close friends sometimes referred to him, leaves behind his brother, Tobi, sister Teri, Significant Other Diane Merrifield, First Wife and lifetime friend Ilene, as well as his six children, and six grandchildren.
Services for Celes King, IV will be held March 29th. 11:00am at Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church, 3751 West 54th Street, Los Angeles 90043.