Samuel Arthur King

1918 - 2014

1918 ~ 2014
Ephraim, UT-Samuel Arthur King (Art), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend left this mortal world surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, September 4, 2014, at the age of 96. Art was born in Spring City, Utah on April 15, 1918, to Emily Ann Haefeli and Christian Alonzo King. He married Ruth Wood on September 27, 1939, in the Manti Temple and settled in Ephraim, Utah. Art and Ruth raised four wonderful daughters, Ruth Diane King (Ron), Kathy King Frischknecht (Steve), Judy King Larsen (Ned), and Peggy King Kooyman (Keith), who into adulthood lovingly referred to him as "Daddy." Art was mild-mannered, had an even temperament, and respected and looked for good in everyone he met. He was a dedicated man and provider who adored his family, was a hard-working dairy farmer, an amazing storyteller, and a prolific world traveler. Growing up in the West, Art loved the romance of Hollywood Westerns, including John Wayne and Clint Eastwood classics, Bonanza, and the Virginian. He lived a cowboy's life, avidly raising cattle, riding horses, hunting deer in the great outdoors, and never leaving home without his bona fide cowboy boots and hat. As a teenager, Art worked as a cook on the construction site of the WPA Ephraim Tunnel and as a miner in Dividend, Utah. He and his sweetheart, Ruth, began their life together with very little. Art began farming with a meager six cows, a team of horses, a plow, a wagon, a milk separator, and mortgaged his car for a down payment on 20 acres and water shares southwest of Ephraim. As an established farmer he was granted an agriculture deferment as America entered WWII, working all day on the farm and supporting the war effort at home by laboring on the graveyard shift, driving the bus, shuttling workers to and from the parachute plant in Manti. Through much sacrifice, hard work, and thriftiness, Art and Ruth made a wonderful home together with their four girls. Art continued to farm into his 80s and King Dairy continues to prosper almost 8 decades later. He served in many service capacities including, the Water Conservancy District Board, the Utah Dairy Association, and as President of the Ephraim Irrigation Company. In 2010, Art was honored by his community as a Candlelight Award Recipient. He used his wisely invested retirement to travel the world, making his way to many countries throughout Asia, Australia, Russia, Nepal, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. He saw more changes in his 96 years than any other generation in history have experienced. From his first car, a Model T Ford, to flying over Mount Everest, Art experienced how technology drastically altered modern life. In his later years, and following the death of his dear wife Ruth, he was fortunate to be reacquainted with his teenage friend, Bernice, whom he had not seen for 70 years. Being the same age, they were able to visit frequently, keeping each other company, reminiscing about times gone by. The family wishes to thank all those who attended to Art during his declining health in recent years. We will miss his timeless dimpled smile, his soft-spoken voice, his loving spirit, and the twinkle in his eyes. We love you Grandpa King! Art is survived by four daughters; four sons-in-law, 17 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brother, Alonzo Leo King (Alfreda); sisters, Clatie La Verne King Anderson (Ken), Emily Theora King Mickelsen (Clarence), Ruby Gladys King Jensen (Frank), Amber Jewel King Larsen (Lendal); and a great-granddaughter, Jessica Olsen. Funeral services celebrating the life of Art King will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014, at High Noon. Friends may call at the Ephraim Stake Center on Monday evening, September 8, from 6-8 PM, and Tuesday morning, from 10:30-11:30 AM, prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Ephraim City Cemetery following the services.
Online condolences can be made at rasmussenmortuary.com.