Ralph "Sonny" King, 95, of Sugarcreek, died Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Danbury Senior Living in Millersburg following a period of declining health.
Born on August 6, 1930, in Dundee to the late Russell F. and Erma Rose (Klein) King and married Emma "Emmy" Swaldo on November 13, 1952. She survives.
He attended the Trail School until it's closing in 1941 and went on to attend Wayne Twp. (Dundee) School and graduated in 1948. Following his graduation Sonny was hired at Moomaw Chevrolet. He worked there unitl the draft board called his name.
In January 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the 89th Military Airlift Wing, Special Missions, at Andrews Air Force Base. During his career in the Air Force Sonny served 30 months in England (1951-1954), two years in the Philippines (1964-1966) and four Presidents.
According to a press release, "The most memorable was when Sergeant King was a maintenance crew member on the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Columbine", a Lockheed C-121 Constellation used during the Eisenhower Administration. From October 1956- September 1969, Sergeant King oversaw all engine conditioning on the presidential aircraft and made several trips on board the aircraft. For his service to President Eisenhower, Sergeant King received the Air Force Commendation Medal.
At the end of Eisenhower's Administration, Sonny was a Noncommissioned Officer in charge of the Engine Conditioning Shop of the wing that provided engine servicing for all 29 aircraft assigned to the 89th, including those used to fly the President and Vice President. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1971, he returned to his job at Moomaw Chevrolet as Service Manager. He retired from Moomaw's in September 1992.
Sonny was a 42-year member of the Homer Weiss American Legion Post 494 in Sugarcreek. He served with the Color Guard at most community functions, helped with the fish fries at the Legion Hall, helped with Military Honors to local veterans, and played a big part in the cemetery restoration projects the Legion did.
Sonny was a former member of Sugarcreek Village Council, Shanesville Lutheran Church, an avid bowler, and had a integral part in the restoration of the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock in downtown Sugarcreek.
In addition to his wife, Emmy, he is survived by his three sons, Bruce A. (Stephanie) King of Berlin, Steven M. (Kelli) King of Colorado and Douglas R. (Karen) King of Florida; his sister Shirley McCaslin of Dundee; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother Helen King Moore, brother Glendale King, sister Donna Jean (Jack) Thomas, and brother-in-law Glen McCaslin.
Services will be Friday, September 19, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Smith-Varns Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Stutzman officiating. Burial followed in Union Hill Cemetery where Military Honors were conducted by Homer Weiss American Legion Post 494.
