March 20, 1932 – October 19, 2022
Merrill Eugene King, 90, of Mitchell, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Richard L. Roudebush Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in Indianapolis.
Born March 20, 1932, in Orange County, he was the son of Earl Everest and Eula Marie (Hackney) King. He married Betty Ruth Knox on June 6, 1952, and she preceded him in death on November 4, 2006.
Merrill was a U.S. Marine veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a 1950 graduate of Mitchell High School and attended Woodville Baptist Church. Merrill was the owner of King’s Speed Shop and King’s Automotive. He was an avid drag racer and enjoyed restoring antique vehicles; especially Fords. Even in retirement, he was always building engines for people. He also built his own Weed Hopper experimental aircraft. Betty was the love of his life and they loved to travel together, having visited all fifty states.
Surviving are his children, Ruth Ann (Bob) Medworth of Brazil and Kelly (Daniel Guirkins) Morris of Mitchell; grandchildren, Whitney Medworth, Shane Morris, and Shawna Morris; great-grandchildren, Rowie Morris and Malik Gilbert; and sister, Sandra King of Mitchell.
His parents and wife preceded him in death.
The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 23, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Reverend Glenn Hamer officiating. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the service on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations can be made in Merrill’s memory to the ALS Association, Indiana Chapter.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
