Dick Elmer King

Dick Elmer King, 87, of Saint Catharine, MO; passed away peacefully late Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025, at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, MO; surrounded by his loving family.
Dick Elmer was born on March 9, 1938, the son of Gird Lester and Josephine Marie (Groetecke) King in Copemish, MI. Dick enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served from 1956 to 1964, and during that time he served in Moraco, Tripoli, North Africa, Zaragoza, Spain, and Oklahoma. He married Dorothy Joann Gaston on May 19, 1969, in Miami, OK; she preceded him in death on October 28, 2021.
In 1979, Dick opened King's Processing in Marceline, MO; until he sold it to his son Rob King in 2003. Dick served as the Eastern District Commissioner in Linn County from January 1, 1993, to December 31, 1997, and then served as the Presiding Commissioner of Linn County, MO; to present. He was a member of the Brookfield VFW Post # 4557, Brookfield American Legion Post #182, and Marceline Masonic Lodge Post #481. He was active in the Ararat Shriners Hospital and the Macon Flywheel Association.
Dick began singing and playing guitar at an early age. From playing in a band while in Air Force to numerous others throughout several decades, he performed in different parts of the U.S. and extensively in MO. to attain regional music notoriety. Dick enjoyed going to have his morning coffee with the boys, mowing, and going camping and fishing trips.
Dick is survived by his seven children, Erlinda Bloss of Brookfield, MO; Brenda Asher and Donnie of Brookfield, MO; Dana Tarpening and Robin of Brookfield, MO; Rob King and Connie of Saint Catharine, MO; Karen Tarpenning and Mark of Pleasant Hill, MO; Lori Elliott and Jeff of Brookfield, MO; and Kelly King and Yulia of Nashville, TN; sixteen grandchildren; thirty five great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; one brother G.L. King and Nola of Macon, MO; one sister-in-law, Sherry King of Marceline, MO; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Justin Tarpening, and son-in-law Dale Bloss.
Masonic service will be held at 4:30 pm. Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Brookfield, MO; Visitation will follow from 5:00 pm. until 7:00 pm. with family receiving friends at that time. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Brookfield, MO; with Rob King, Pastor Lee Porch, and Chris King officiating. A private family burial will be at a later time. Arrangements are under the direction of Rhodes Funeral Home, Brookfield, MO.
Memorial contributions are to the King Family Cemetery in care of Rob King and can be left at or mailed to the Rhodes Funeral Home, 216 Linn Street, Brookfield, MO. 6462