Larry Gene King, 86, of Grant City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph.
Gene was born on July 15, 1939, in Redding, Iowa, to Helen
Ruth (Henry) King and James Leander King. He graduated from Grant City High
School and carried throughout his life the small-town values of hard work,
kindness, and helping others.
On December 6, 1959, Gene married the love of his life,
Beverly Ann McKim. Together they built a life rooted in love, dedication, and
family. During their 62 years of marriage, they raised two sons, Stephen and
Jerry, and created a legacy that continues through their children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In the early years of their marriage, Gene and Beverly lived
in Colorado and Oregon before returning to Grant City in the late 1960s. After
returning home, Gene began a career with the Missouri Department of
Transportation, where he worked for 30 years. Known for his strong work ethic
and dependability, Gene took pride in providing for his family and serving his
community.
Gene was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a hand.
Family and friends could always count on him when something needed repaired, a
problem needed solved, or simply when a helping hand was needed. In his younger
years, he enjoyed working with horses, wagons and spent countless hours caring
for the family farm. He found satisfaction in honest work and took great pride
in keeping busy. More than anything, Gene will be remembered for his
generosity, quiet strength, and willingness to help anyone in need.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife,
Beverly; his brother, Dale King; and his sister, Rita Ray King.
He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish
his memory: his sons, Stephen King and Jerry (Stacey) King of St. Joseph;
grandchildren Chad (Rachael) McElvain of Maryville, Amber King of St. Joseph,
Laura King of Grant City, Colby (Hunter) Bradford, and Cade Bradford of St.
Joseph; and great-grandchildren Carleigh, Brennan, and Mylee McElvain,
Milleigha and Cason King, Liam and Quinn Bradford and Jennifer King (mother of
Chad, Amber and Laura) of Grant City, MO.
Though Gene's life was marked by hard work and dedication,
his greatest accomplishment was the love he shared with his family and the
example he set for those around him. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and
selflessness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved
him.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July
13, 2026, at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, with visitation one hour
prior from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Grant City Cemetery.
