Richard "Dick" Wayne King Sr.

Richard Wayne “Dick” King, Sr., 87, of Terre Haute passed away peacefully on April 19, 2019 at his daughter and son-in-law’s home. He was born on April 27, 1931, in Terre Haute to John H. and Hilda L. King. While home on leave from the military in 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, RoseMary Whitsit. Dick is preceded in death by his wife, RoseMary King; son, Dickie King Jr.; daughter, Vickie Atkinson; brother, Jerry King; sister, Barbara Rockwood; and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Decker and husband Jim of Terre Haute; son-in-law, George “Jay” Atkinson of Terre Haute; grandson, Dickie (Shelly) Atkinson of McCordsville; granddaughters, Tammy Atkinson of Terre Haute, Angie (Sam) Lively of Cloverdale, and Nicole Clingerman of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren: Dalton, Hunter, Parker, and Cooper Atkinson, Kali Price, Madison and Olivia Slaughter, and Sophia Baumunk; sisters, Marilyn (Gary) Jones, Karen (Dave) Bryan, and Sherry Potts; and his special friend, Iantha Adams. Dick was a 1950 graduate of Gerstmeyer Tech High School where he played football. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He spent two six-month tours of duty in Korea as a forward observer for close air support. His unit was among the first to use helicopters to transport the wounded MASH units. Dick was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in September 1953. He was a retired member of Teamsters Local 144-135 where he worked as an over-the-road truck driver. He drove his truck from sea to shining sea and could tell you how to get just about anywhere. Dick then spent a number of years as a school bus driver for the Vigo County School Corp. He also drove for Turner Coaches. Dick was a member of Masonic Lodge #19, Scottish Rite of Terre Haute, and VFW Post 972, all for over 50 years. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at Roselawn Funeral Home. Masonic Rites will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a funeral ceremony following, officiated by Pastor Larry Lilly. Dick will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by VFW Post 972. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net