A fourth generation farmer, John T. King loved to work the land, and he shared that love with all 13 of his children.

"We all grew up on the farm and helped work the farm," said Mr. King's son, Joseph King, of Valencia. "It was just a good experience for us. It taught us about the good times, the hard times and perseverance."

John King died last Thursday at his Valencia home at the age of 86.

His ancestors moved here from Germany in 1850 and bought a farm on Middle Road called Beechwood Reserve. That farm was handed down through the generations, and Mr. King stayed there until 1939, when he sold that farm and bought another on Sandy Hill Road in Valencia.

"We did it all, at one time -- cattle and hogs and vegetables -- but now we just do vegetables," said his son, who is known as Joe.

"My brothers and sisters all have it in their blood. I hope I can pass it on to my three sons."

John King sold his produce and other farm products at the Pittsburgh Farm Market and from his farm.

"He had a special relationship with the people he sold to," Mr. King said. "I think that's all part of it."

His father retired in his early 70s, but continued to help his son work the land. Joe King bought his dad's farm and one of his own and worked both properties.

"My dad loved doing work on the tractor," he said. "He loved tilling the soil and riding on that John Deere tractor."

Before he bought his first tractor in the 1950s, his father farmed his land using horses and a plow. Joe King said he still uses horses and plow every once in awhile for the fun of it.

While his dad didn't have time for many hobbies, his son said, he has many memories of the time he spent with his father and lessons learned from him.

"He instilled a lot of values and wisdom in us," he said. "He always shared his own memories and experiences."

Mr. King was a member of the Smiling Seniors of Holy Sepulcher Church in Middlesex.

In addition to Joe King, he is survived by his 12 other children, John King, of Florida; William King, of Meridian; Theodore King, of New Jersey; Marilyn Miller, of New Wilmington, Lawrence County; Mary Lou Muti, of Harmony; Martha Bogan, of Butler; Michael King, of Butler; Mark King, of Valencia; Janet McKnight, of Slippery Rock; Elaine Pisarcik, of Valencia; Jane Dillner, of Gibsonia, and Mathew King, of North Hills; a sister, Mae Billie, of Ohio; 42 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Weissert King, and a grandson, Jacob Bogan.

A Mass was celebrated Monday at Holy Sepulcher Church. Burial was in St. Mary Cemetery, Sharp's Hill, O'Hara.