Laddie Merrill King, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home in Green River, Utah surrounded by his family on the afternoon of Friday, January 19, 2024 after battling with complications of Dementia.
Laddie was born in Sunnyside, Utah to Alfred and Daphna King. He was the fourth of five children and the youngest son. He grew up in Green River and spent his childhood summers out at the Rock House cowboying on the desert with grandparents and family. Laddie rode a stick horse from the time he could walk and even thought he was a horse until about ten years old. He milked cows in the morning, attended Green River High School (sometimes) during the day and then off to farm, cowboy, and drink a little whiskey in the evening.
In 1963, Laddie met the love of his life, Lynda Ruth Pickett when she came to Green River for a visit with her sister, Barbara. Laddie and Lynda were married on August 21, 1963 at the courthouse in American Fork, Utah with Kay and Ruline King as their witnesses. Soon thereafter, they had their first child, Mona and then Todd was added to the family.
Laddie worked in the Uranium Mines, he managed Premium Oil Gas Station for over 30 years, and retired from Petrolane (Amerigas). Laddie was a cowboy all of his life, he raced dirt bikes for many years, and rode street bikes with several other well known Green River couples. His kids, grandkids, great-grandbabies, and his animals were his whole world.
Dad, you are an original, one of the last true cowboys; a dying breed. The boot-prints you have left on all of our hearts will have to last until we meet again!
Survived by his daughter, Mona (Dwayne) Schoenfelder; son, Todd (Debbie) King; brother, Dean (Hilda) King; sister, CorlieAnn (Brian) Pead; grandchildren, CJ (Tania) Vetere, Charle (Kelly) Moore, Presten Weighing, and Tanna King; and great-grandchildren, Makelle and JJ Moore and Luis Vetere.
Preceded in death by his wife, Lynda King; parents, Alfred and Daphna King; brothers, Kay and Garry King; and grandson, Todd Colt King.
The family wishes to extend a special heartfelt thank-you to his best friend, Frankie Anderson who loving cared for our beloved father during the last year and his final weeks and hours of his life as well as other family members ensuring he transitioned with love and dignity. Our words will never adequately express our gratitude for your selflessness and love. We all appreciate and love you deeply.
Dad gave us very clear instructions that he did not want a memorial service. We tried to talk him into a celebration of life and we were told, “suit yourself.” Therefore, we will have a celebration of life at a later date in Green River, Utah.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Laddie online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net