Darrell King

Darrell Arnold King, a longtime Menlo resident passed away on Monday, March 31, 2014 in Centralia, WA at the age of 82. Darrell was born on August 13th, 1931 in Firdale, WA to John Wesley and Grace Anna (Clements) King. Darrell was one of eight children and grew up in Firdale, WA. He attended the Willapa Valley School District and graduated with the Class of 1951. After graduation from high school Darrell moved to Garibaldi, OR where he met his wife Barbara. He married Barbara (Hedges) on September 3, 1955 in Raymond, WA. In 1963 Darrell moved his family from Menlo to Mossyrock, WA, he worked as an operating engineer on the Mayfield Dam and then later on the Mossyrock Dam. He returned to Menlo in 1967, and purchased a 160 acre Beef Farm from Gordon Bues. Darrell continued to work out of town at the Centralia Coal Mine and for Dulin Construction before retiring in 1988. Darrell loved being on the farm and taking care of the animals. His favorite hobby was hunting Bobcats with his hound dogs. He spent countless hours in the woods, and on top of mountains listening for his hound dogs while they were chasing and treeing Bobcats. Darrell traveled to Alaska with his hound dogs and assisted the Alaska Dept. of Wildlife to capture, tag and release LYNX Cats for research. He loved being outdoors and hunting for deer and elk with his sons, relatives and friends. He also enjoyed playing his guitar and singing country music. Darrell was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Gavel No. 48. Darrell is survived by one daughter Debbie (Jerry) Bannish of Menlo, two sons, Rodney King and Curtis King, both of Menlo; one sister, Gracie Willingham of Pasadena, CA; and (7) grandchildren, Rachelle King, Laci Fourtner, Chris Bannish, Alyson King, Aaron King, Devon King, and Luke King. He is also survived by (5) great grandchildren; Brandyn and Christian King, Brock Bannish, Ella and Emma Fourtner. Darrell also had numerous nieces and nephews which he enjoyed spending time with. Darrell was preceded in death by his wife Barbara of 53 years; his (4) brothers, Grover Dawson, Roy, Dee and Aaron King, and (2) sisters Katherine (Kitty) Reed, and Lillie Runyon. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond with burial to follow at the Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo. A gathering will be held at the Willapa United Methodist Church immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willapa Harbor Helping Hands at P.O. Box 597, South Bend, WA 98586 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Darrell King please visit our Sympathy Store.