Bruce King

1951 - 2026

Bruce Paul King, 74, passed away February 3, 2026, at home from pancreatic cancer. His devoted wife, Elaine, was by his side.

Bruce was born Dec. 17, 1951, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the first of Paul Ray and Marillyn Peirce King's five sons. He grew up on a farm two miles northeast of Moore, Idaho, where he attended elementary and junior high schools.

He attended Butte High School in Arco, Idaho, then Ricks College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho. He served a church mission to Australia in 1971-73.

In 1978, Bruce graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo in communications. He was a professional musician in high school and college, playing for 15 years in soft-rock bands with his brothers and friends.

He met his sweetheart, Elaine Katapodis, at a university dance. They were married seven weeks later in the Salt Lake Temple on Dec. 29, 1977, and lived in Utah and California before moving to Sugar City, Idaho, in 1988. Bruce served 16 years in local government, including as president of the Sugar City Council.

During his journalism career, he was regional spokesman for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) in eastern Idaho. Prior to joining ITD, he was a technical editor at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls. Before moving to Idaho, he worked in the public relations offices of corporations in Utah and California.

Bruce was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as bishop, high priests group leader, high councilor, stake mission president, stake Sunday School president, etc.

He and his wife Elaine served an 18-month proselyting mission on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico April 2023-October 2024. Upon their return, they served as senior service missionaries helping Native Americans at BYU-Idaho succeed academically, socially, and spiritually.

Bruce loved to discuss religion and politics, thinking each is central to societal well-being. He was a loving husband and father, honest in his dealings with others, faithful in church and civic service, and a conscientious professional in his employment. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Seth (Jessica) King, Vance (Brittney) King, Sarah (Tyson) Williams, and Brian (Shaina) King; and 20 grandchildren. Three brothers (twin Brent King, Mapleton, Utah; Barry King, Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Corey King, Chubbuck, Idaho) also survive him.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Paul Ray King; mother, Marillyn Peirce King Christensen; brother, Gregory Ray King; and son, Cyrus Ray King.

Friends may call at Flamm Funeral Home on 61 North 1st East in Rexburg, Idaho, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, and one hour before the funeral at the Sugar City Idaho Stake Center on 315 East 3rd South in Sugar City. The service will be at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026. Interment will be in the Sugar Salem Moody Cemetery.