Richard Edward King

KOOTER

Richard Edward King, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away the morning of February 16, 2025, at the age of ninety-two.

He was born in Delhi, Louisiana, and of the union of Jimmie King and Ola Thomas on April 2, 1932.

He attended Richland Parish Training School.

With the guidance of his mother at a youthful age, his spiritual life began at Union Valley Baptist Church in Delhi.

After School, he became a labor technician for the Boat Factory.

It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Dora Dean Blaylock. The two became one in August of 1957.

He joined and became a strong and dedicated member of the St. John Baptist Church in 1983. Serving in various positions, including deacon and overseer for the community Cemetery of St. John.

Richard, lovingly known as “Kooter,” was very loved by the community and received various awards. He was president for the Water Workers Board in East Richland Parish for fifty years. He was a member of the NAACP and received the lifetime achievement award.

He was preceded in death by parents, Jimmie King and Ola Thomas; wife, Dora Dean King; daughter, Shirley Alford; and brothers, David Rundell, Eddie Lee Rundell, and Joe Willie King. He was survived by: his sons, Charles Ray King (Angela) and Garry Thornton; sisters, Joanna Thomas, Merrdell Brown, June Reeves (James), Patricia French (Oliver), Vertis King, and Frankie Gerard; brother, Jimmi Nell Smith; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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