Dean King

1937 - 2025

Dean King

1937-2025

Green River, UT-Our sweet Daddy and husband returned to our Heavenly Father on November 29th, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Price, Utah to Alfred and Daphna King. He was a '37 model born on December 20th. His family moved to Green River from Wayne County and he spent the rest of his life in Green River.

He graduated from Green River High School and enjoyed playing basketball and football at CEU in Price, Utah.

Dad loved to sing and play the guitar, and when Hilda moved to Green River with her family, she really caught his eye. One memorable moment was when he was the band at a teen cantina dance and he sang "Back up Buddy, don't you come any closer!" He stared at her the whole time he sang it.

He married Hilda Jayne Hatch in Regina, New Mexico on February 15th, 1958. Their marriage was later sealed in the Manti Temple in June of 1963.

In the beginning, he had a service station in town, a truck stop, and a couple of kids. His Dad was getting a little older and had some acreage so he borrowed some money from his Grandad (Thomas W. Smith) and this was the beginning of King Land and Livestock. He also wore the hat of a uranium miner, truck driver delivering mud to oil rigs, melon farmer and cattle rancher. While doing all this, he and his sweetheart brought nine children into the world. All of them boys except seven. In 1990, our third brother came to help Dad on the farm; Martine became a son to Dad and Mom in every way and helped him with all the operations of King Land and Livestock. His wife Gloria, became their daughter and their sons became their grandchildren.

Dean was passionate about teaching his children how to work, to sing, and follow the code of the west. He was an avid storyteller and jokes rolled out of him. You might have heard his jokes more than once…he was always asking if he might be allergic to bullshit…we know he wasn't… because he was full of it.

He spent years serving in the Cattlemen's Association promoting beef here in Utah. Even in his later years, he was a top salesman in Vitalix mineral supplement for cattle. He was known for raising pure bred limousin and also the prime quality of his cattle.

He enjoyed his time serving for 20+ years on the Emery County special service district and made many lifelong friends. He had a testimony of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father's plan. He taught his children to serve and be kind to everyone. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in callings throughout his life.

He was so proud of his posterity and is expecting his 97th great-grandchild in December and is known as the, "Stop it, quit it, Grandpa!"

His family will miss him greatly, especially his sweetheart Hilda, but we know he is watching over us and we will be together forever!

He is survived by his wife, Hilda; and ten children, Dee (Tom) Maughan, Stacy King, Tonya (Kerry) Bigelow, Doree (Mike) Russell, Darin (Julie) King, Haven (Jon) Bodnar, Anissa (Glen) Carlson, Race (Shelly) King, Sage King, Martine (Gloria) Mendez, sister, Corlie Ann (Brian) Pead; along with his 42 grandchildren and 97 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Daphna King; and grandson, Keston Roundy.

Funeral Service, Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 11:00 a.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Green River Ward Chapel where the family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow in the Elgin Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends and family are always welcome daily and may share memories of Dean online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.