Ralph T. King

Ralph T. King, 74, of Shelley, Idaho, died of natural causes Aug. 2, 2004 surrounded by his three daughters. He was born Jan. 16, 1930, in Marion County, S.C., the seventh of eight children born to Jefferson Davis and Sally Idella Lovell King.

Ralph was one of seven brothers who served in the U.S. military: two in the Army, three in the Navy and one Marine. At the age of 15 he joined the Merchant Marines and served from 1945-1949. He and his brothers all returned home without injury.

In 1949, while on leave, he met and one year later married Helen Irene Brooks in Baltimore, Maryland. Following their marriage he was employed in the chemical field in sales; later he was in sales management of a multi-national corporation.

Ralph and Helen are the parents of three daughters, Sherry (Glen) Martineau, who have eight children, Sheila (Matt) Banks who have three children, both of Shelley, Idaho, and Sandee (Gary) Watterud who have four sons and live in Whitefish.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held the office of a High Priest and served in various callings. He was the grandfather of 15 and great-grandfather of three, all of whom he dearly loved and admired. His only complaint, "I just don't see them enough."

His parents, four siblings Jeff, Legree, Lew and Ernest and his son-in-law and hero, Glen Martineau, preceded him in death. He leaves behind two brothers, Wilson of Camden, S.C., Wayne of Norfolk, Va., and a sister, Elizabeth Muse of Brevard, N.C.

He will be truly missed by his family and those who knew him. We love you, Dad.

Graveside services were held Aug. 3 at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.