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

Royce was born on December 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 November 27, 1964; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: daughter, Sheri Ann (Jason) Whitt of Waynesville; granddaughter, Eastyn Whitt; sister-in-law, Patti (Mike) Davidson of Marco Island, FL; 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 from Richmond High School in the class of 1959.  After high school, he served his country in the Missouri National Guard from 1960-1966.  Royce worked as a sub-assembler for Allis-Chalmers in Independence, now known as AGCO located in Heston, KS.  He retired in May 2000.  Music was an important part of his and Karen's lives; they sang and played together for many years; they played for 10 years as members of the Country Shindig Band in Lawson.  They also played and sang for countless weddings and funerals in the area over the years.  Royce enjoyed NASCAR, Ford pickups, spending time with his wife in Branson, and loved Country music.  He was very 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 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M.  Burial will be in Crowley Cemetery, near Rayville.  Please remember to share your memories of Royce with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.