Final Salute

Richard King
Born: July 25, 1940 in Dixon, IL
Died: May 3, 2025 in Mendota, IL
Richard A. King, 84, of Mendota, IL, passed away on May 3, due to heart failure. Richard was the son of the late L. Rae and Catherine L. King of Mendota. He attended and graduated from Mendota schools, was an Eagle Scout, and pitched a no hitter as a young man. He enlisted in the Navy and became a Seabee after high school, and married Marilyn Lee Rich of Triumph upon his return from basic training. Together, they lived in over 24 places together: IL, RI, MA, CA, GA, FL, and NC. She was the love of his life and preceded him in death. They were married for over 60 years. Richard worked for Black Bros. most of his life, started the service center in High Point, NC and rose to be President of the entire company. He remained in the machinery business after BBCO, with King Implement and Costa. Rick and Marilyn traveled to Germany, Hawaii, Mexico, and 48 states in their time together. He enjoyed golf, NASCAR, fishing, the Cubs, the Bears and anything to do with animals. He was a very hard-working man, strong and goal oriented. He could build or fix anything imaginable. He enjoyed buying and restoring vintage cars, especially Corvettes. With Marilyn, they were wonderful and loving parents; and they taught their children and grandchildren well.
Richard is survived by his son David D. King of Concord, NC and wife Julia Osborn King, and their children Julia Alexandra King and Richard Andrew King; as well as his daughter LeeAnn King Bailey of DeLand, FL, and her husband Wallace Bailey. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Carol Neuhalfen and Barbara Rich, as well as numerous other relatives. The family would like to thank his group of IL friends for their help and support to Richard: Shirley Jackson, Dave & Rita Jones, Doug Biederstedt, Mary Ann Brunner, and Diane Robertson.
Visitation will be from 3 – 7 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to k9sforveterans.org, who supply service dogs at no charge to veterans with PTSD. This would please Rick as he was a veteran and loved animals.
Rick’s family looks forward to seeing you at the visitation, in order to celebrate his wonderful life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by News Tribune on May 24, 2025.