Ralph E. King, Sr.

Ralph Edward King, Sr., of Leasburg, MO, was born on Wednesday, August 28, 1935, in Butts, MO, to Douglas Scott King and Rose Belle King, nee Eggers.  He passed away at his home in Leasburg, MO, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 8 days.

Ralph was born and raised in Butts, Missouri, where he attended Little Springs School. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic that carried throughout his life. 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 9 years.

In 1962, Ralph began his long and dedicated 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 old — a true testament to his commitment and love for his work.

On November 6, 1976, Ralph married the love of his life, Debra Joan McClary, in Leasburg, Missouri. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with five children. Ralph’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family and caring for his children.  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. In earlier years, he loved attending Cardinals games and continued to cheer them on from home later in life. Ralph also enjoyed collecting guns and knives, reading, and watching westerns. Known for his skill and precision, he was an excellent shooter and marksman.

Ralph will be remembered as a hardworking man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a friend to so many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Sr. and Rose King; parents-in-law, James and Martha McClary; siblings, Doug (wife Cleo) King, Buster “Bud” King, James (wife Sue) King, Jack King, Wayne King, Leon (Pat) King, Lorene (husband Don) Brush, Rosalee (husband Rev. Art) Gormley 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 loving wife of 49 years, Debbie King of Leasburg, MO; children, Jenny Maggio of Champagne, IL, Michael “Mike” (wife Lisa) King of Williamsville, MO, Angie (husband Kelly) Femmer of Branson, MO, Doug “DJ” (wife Brandi) King and Ralph “JR” (wife Nicole) King both of Bourbon, MO; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jay (wife Rini) McClary of Leasburg, MO, Donna McLin and Della Hodge both of Branson, MO and Toni McClary of Rolla, MO; grandchildren, Eli (wife Natasha) King, Mason (wife Samantha) King, Sam King, Annicka Femmer, Kaitlyn King and Dawson King; great grandchildren, Alora King and baby girl King on the the way; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, MO.  Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 7:00 PM with Pastor Terry King and Pastor Art Gormley Jr. officiating and conclude with military honors.  Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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