U.S. Congresswoman Diane Watson spoke of Celes King’s long life of public service.

“Celes King gave his entire life to the service of others,” said Rev. Jentzsch. “We gather here not to mourn but to celebrate the life of our friend, our confidant, the peacemaker — Celes King. (For full text of eulogy, click here.)

King’s life of “fierce determination to preserve the rights granted under the United States Constitution” and his “strength and courage in standing for the rights of those that others sought to diminish” were cited in the eulogy. “He gave help to the voices that sounded like the trumpets at Jericho, voices that spoke louder than those raised in opposition to equality, voices that rang out “freedom!” and broke down those walls that were closed against color.”

King’s wife of 62 years, Anita Lugo Givens, was acknowledged as were their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Anita was and will always be the love of his life,” said Jentzsch.

Fellow members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, a unit of black pilots in World War II when the military was still segregated, came to honor Celes King. King later became a brigadier general in the National Guard.

Acknowledging the World War II Tuskegee Airmen who attended the services for their fellow veteran airman, Rev. Jentzsch said: “Some pilots went on to break the sound barrier. Celes King and others of the Tuskegee Airmen went on to break the barriers of color and the obstacles to human rights.”

To the man who had become a brigadier general in the National Guard, a founder and leader of the California Congress of Racial Equality and numerous other civic and business organizations, Jentzsch bid farewell with words from a Scientology funeral service:

“We do not contest your right to go away. Your debts are paid. This chapter of thy life is shut. Go now, dear Celes, and live once more in happier time and place. Thank you, Celes.”

Following the eulogy, interment took place with full military honors, including a flag ceremony and 21-gun salute by a National Guard unit. Rev. Jentzsch delivered a prayer for the family, close friends and dignitaries as the casket was entombed.