Earl Lee King, aged 98, passed away on November 26, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born April 7, 1927, in Sedalia, Missouri to parents Arthur and Anna King. Earl lived a life devoted to the Lord, family, and friends.
As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Earl served his country during World War II in the Seabees. After his service, Earl returned home to Kansas City, Missouri where he later met his wife, Virginia Lea Barron. They were married 41 years prior to Virginia’s passing in 1998.
Earl was a very hard worker all his life. He worked as a crane operator at Armco Steel for 30 years while also farming 60 acres in Odessa, Missouri. He raised pigs and cattle for market but also had goats, chickens, and horses. After retiring from Armco, Earl worked as an Excavator running Bob Cats, Back Holes, Bulldozers, and various other heavy equipment. He built roads and ponds and donated many hours working on the land at the Odessa Hills Campgrounds.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife Virginia; brothers: Chester, Carl, and Kenneth; sisters Grace, Lavera, Fern, Ethel, and Della. He is survived by son, Jeff (Laurie) of Blue Springs, three beloved grandchildren: Ammon (Stefanie) of Pacific, Missouri, Amber (Dennis) of Blue Springs, Andrew (Jane) of Independence; four blessed great grandchildren: Olivia, Carter, Michael, and Joy; and sisters: Thelma, Charlene (Lila), Margaret, and Janice.
Earl enjoyed being extremely active in life. He played volleyball up to age 75, skated up to age 85, and played pool/snooker up to age 98. He was a passionate music enthusiast. He especially loved Bluegrass music. He taught himself to play the guitar, violin, mandolin, autoharp, organ, and piano. Earl was an active member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and attended Colburn Road Restoration Branch. He served in the office of Elder for over 50 years and loved his Lord with all his heart.
A memorial service will be Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Colbern Road Restoration Branch, 9523 Lake Lotawana Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. Visitation is at 1:00pm. Service is at 2:00pm.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441
Randy Denney
1 Dec 2025I considered Earl a good friend. He and I played pool almost every day at the Davis Center in Oak Grove. He will be missed.
Carol Smith
1 Dec 2025Uncle Earl you were an amazing man with so many talents & lived such a full life, you will be so missed. I love you, may you be playing music with loved ones gone before.
Sherry Page RN
1 Dec 2025I will always remember visiting and caring for Earl, son Jeff and wife Laurie. All of you will be in my heart and prayers forever. Thank you for choosing me and ST CROIX Hospice to care for Earl and your family. God Bless Always 😊👩⚕️
Judy Martin
2 Dec 2025So sorry for your loss. Had many a good times with Earl on camping trips.
Friends
Judy (Jim) Martin