Ralph Edward King Sr. of Leasburg, Missouri was born on Wednesday, August 28, 1935 in Butts, Missouri to Douglas Scott King and Rose Belle (nee Eggers) King and passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 8 days.
He attended Little Springs School in Butts, Missouri. As a teenager, he began working at Merritt Sawmill, and by the age of 16, he had joined Paramount, where he remained until 1962.
He had joined the United States National Guard and Army Reserve, where he served honorably for nine years.
In 1962, Ralph began his career with NB West Asphalt as a contractor and heavy equipment operator. He worked there for 34 years until his retirement but continued part-time for another 12 years, giving a total of 46 years of service. Even after stepping back, Ralph continued to help by cutting grass for the company until he was 89 years.
On November 6, 1976, Ralph married Debra Joan McClary in Leasburg, Missouri.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer and turkey hunting and fishing for bass and catfish at the lake at Possum Hollow Farms. He enjoyed feeding the fish in his own half-acre pond, taking backroad rides on his four-wheeler or in his jeep, and traveling and camping out west.
He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou Tigers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Ralph also enjoyed collecting guns and knives, reading, and watching westerns.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Sr. and Rose King; parents-in-law, James and Martha McClary; siblings, Doug and wife Cleo King, Buster “Bud” King, James and wife Sue King, Jack King, Wayne King, Leon (Pat) King, Lorene and husband Don Brush, Rosalee and husband Rev. Art Gourmley and Virginia (Ben) Farris; brothers-in-law, Jimmy McClary, Randy McClary, Mark McClary, Dave Hodge and Brad McClary; sister-in-law, Dee West; son-in-law, Sam Maggio and granddaughter, Carmen King.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debbie King of Leasburg, Missouri; children, Jenny Maggio of Champagne, Illinois, Michael “Mike” and wife Lisa King of Williamsville, Missouri, Angie and husband Kelly Femmer of Branson, Missouri, Doug “DJ” and wife Brandi King and Ralph “JR” and wife Nicole King both of Bourbon, Missouri; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jay and wife Rini McClary of Leasburg, Missouri, Donna McLin and Della Hodge both of Branson, Missouri and Toni McClary of Rolla, Missouri; grandchildren, Eli and wife Natasha King, Mason and wife Samantha King, Sam King, Annicka Femmer, Kaitlyn King and Dawson King; great grandchildren, Alora King and baby girl King on the way; other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Terry King and Pastor Art Gourmley Jr. officiating. Service will conclude with military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
