The Richmond News, Dec. 15, 2023

Royce Randolph King, 82, of Richmond passed away Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Royce King

Royce was born Dec. 26, 1940, in Richmond, the son of Randolph Frank and Mary Jane (Williams) King. He was united in marriage to Karen Kay O’Dell of Rayville on Nov. 27, 1964. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include his daughter, Sheri Ann (Jason) Whitt of Waynesville; granddaughter, Eastyn Whitt; and sister-in-law, Patti (Mike) Davidson of Marco Island, Fla. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Royce was reared and educated in the area of his birth, first attending school in Camden, then graduating in 1959 from Richmond High School. After high school, he served his country in the Missouri National Guard from 1960 to 1966.

Royce worked as a sub-assembler for Allis-Chalmers in Independence, now known as AGCO, located in Heston, Kan. He retired in May 2000.

Music was an important part of his and Karen’s lives. They sang and played together for many years. For 10 years, they played as members of the Country Shindig Band in Lawson. Over the years, they also played and sang for countless weddings and funerals in the area.

Royce enjoyed NASCAR, Ford pickups, spending time with his wife in Branson and loved country music. He was meticulous about his appearance, and his vehicles were always immaculate.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either his granddaughter Eastyn Whitt’s college fund or the Humane Society of Ray County. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 14, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with the visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and the services at 2.

Burial was in Crowley Cemetery near Rayville. Please share your memories of Royce with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.