Ronald “Ron” R. King: ‘He filled our lives with music, laughter, and memories’

This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].

Ron King

It is with great sadness that we share that Ronald “Ron” R. King passed away on November 28^th, 2024.  Ron was born June 20, 1942, in Oxnard, CA, to Bud and Lucille King.  He spent his youth and young adult life in Oxnard and Camarillo, CA.  Ron served in the US Army from 1960-1963, spending the majority of his enlistment overseas in Germany.  Upon an honorable discharge, Ron remained in the Army Reserves until 1966. He married Leslie Ryker in 1963 and had two children, Loren and Lori King.  After divorcing his first wife, Ron married Judy Burchett and helped in raising her three girls Tracy, Tanya, and Teresa.  Ron and Judy parted ways, and in November of 1980, he married Sharrie and became stepdad to her son, Christopher Johns. In 1981, they welcomed their daughter, Stacy.  Ron worked for Baker Welding/V.B. Anderson from 1974-1988.  The family relocated to Eureka, CA where he would spend the rest of his life.  Ron and Sharrie were married for 30 years until their divorce in 2010.

Ron worked for Eureka Oxygen from 1988-2007.  In his retirement, he enjoyed a few seasons driving for FedEx during the holidays to remote locations and taking trips to the casino.  Though Ron lost his sight over the years and could no longer drive, he enjoyed finding ways to get to the casino where he loved playing penny slots, or if he was feeling extra daring, quarter machines.  Ron lived on the same street as Stacy, her husband, Darby, and their three kids, October, Story, and Calliope.  He was a very special grandpa to his grandkids and is dearly missed.  The kids will forever hold fond memories of spending every holiday with Grandpa and sneaking over to his house, where he always had candy and cookies waiting for them.

Grandpa, as we all lovingly referred to him, had a gift for storytelling.  He entertained us with wild tales of his young adventures.  He captivated us with his stories of racing old cars and shenanigans with friends in the “good ol’ days” and even had an enthralling story of a UFO experience that he told with such conviction, we hung on to every word, no matter how many times we heard it.  Grandpa always perked up when old country songs played, singing along like he belonged on stage.  With a voice that could rival the best of them, he filled our lives with music, laughter, and memories that we will forever hold deep in our hearts.

Ron is survived by brothers Claudell (Betty) and Phil (Adele) of Grants Pass.  His children, Loren, Lori, and Stacy (Darby).  His step-children, Tanya, Teresa, Tracy, and Chris. Ron has many nieces and nephews including Tammy Asnicar (Al), Steve King (Debbie), Marlene Metler (Roy), Mike King, Donald Gumbert, Aaron (Chris) King, and Ellen (Corrine) King.   He has grandchildren spread throughout the country- Bo, Tess, Murphy, Lance, and Katie- but lived next door to October, Story, and Calliope.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Lucille, his sister, Louise, and nephew Richard Gumbert.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer in Oregon, date/time to be determined.