Dale King

Memorial services for Dale King, 78, of Decatur, Texas, formerly of Lake Bridgeport, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. Craig Jordan will officiate.

Carroll “Dale” King, born on June 11, 1946, in Abilene, Texas, to Jessie and Vivian (Cornelius) King went to be with our Lord on April 1, 2025. He was the youngest of a family that always cherished laughter and good times, growing up surrounded by his parents and siblings: Johnny, Donald Jay, Bobby, Royce, and Virginia “Ginner” Ewing.

Dale's early years were spent in Anson until his family moved to Montague County. He graduated from Prairie Valley School in 1964, setting the stage for a life marked by service and dedication. In December 1968, Dale enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Munitions Specialist Supervisor. His time in the military included two tours in Vietnam as a member of a Special Forces Unit. He returned home in October 1970, carrying the weight of his experiences quietly as he adjusted to civilian life.

Not long after returning, Dale met Sherry Martin. Their connection blossomed quickly, and they married on April 30, 1971. Together, they created a loving home and raised three children: Melissa (McElhaney), Jeff, and Greg. Dale built a fulfilling life with Sherry, stepping away from the memories of conflict.

After many years working as a mechanic in the oil and gas industry, Dale retired, gaining more time to spend in his beloved woodshop. A craftsman at heart, he enjoyed creating various items, often giving them to family and friends, leaving behind cherished mementos of his talent and love.

Dale was known for his warm smile and friendly demeanor, always ready for a chat. He had a special affinity for his fellow military veterans, often taking the time to thank them for their service. His love for the outdoors stemmed from his childhood hunting trips with family, and as he grew older, he found joy in observing the wildlife that visited his home.

Those left to cherish Dale’s memory are his son, Greg King and wife Amy; daughter, Melissa McElhaney and husband Blaine; grandchildren, Michael King and wife Tiffanie, Colton Teter, Cody King, Brody King, Beau McElhaney and wife Shelby, Brody McElhaney, and Trinity McElhaney; great-grandchildren, Bransyn, Braidyn and Natalie King; brothers, Bobby King and wife Debbie of Lubbock, Texas, and Royce King and wife Janie of Henrietta, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Tony Martin of Ryan, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law, Carrie Haslacker and husband Steven of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and Char Martin of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents Jessie and Vivian King; wife, Sherry (Martin); son, Jeffrey King; brothers Johnny King, Donald Jay King and wife Imogene; sister, Virginia “Ginner” Ewing and husband Archie; in-laws, Helen and Harold “Mac” McAlvain and Kenneth “Cotton” Martin; and brother-in-law, Les Martin.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the local charity of your choice.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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