On a brief respite as my spirit wandered through the cosmos, many of my earthly dreams came true and most of my modest, earth bound goals were met. I climbed the highest mountain in Colorado; I crossed the United States border to border and coast to coast too many times to count; I married the prettiest girl I ever knew; my children are successful, happy and in homes of their own; I had a wonderful time and won my share of earthly battles. My allotted time here has ended and my spirit is once again free of my temporary body, free to wander on. I leave behind hundreds of poems, articles, short stories and a book or two. A million more I take with me.

Charles Delmar King died April 27, 2023. He was born in northeast Barry County, Missouri, on April 3rd, 1938, the first child of Delmar Burl King and Edna Faye Thomas King. He graduated from high school at Purdy, Mo. He spent two years in the U.S. Army. He was a long haul truck driver for forty years, retiring from Roadway Express. He was proceeded in death by his parents; a brother Stanley; a sister Deborah; a nephew Weston King; two nieces, Melanie Kouzbari and Kim Snook and a brother-in-law Ralph Benson.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years and 7 months, Linda, of the home; a son, Charles Travis King and wife Kelly, Piedmont, OK.; two daughters, Melinda Girardi and husband Guy of Cassville, MO., Shannon King and wife Kate of Kansas City, MO.; two stepsons, Jeff Rude and wife Jill, Springfield, MO., Chris Rude and wife Kelly, Nixa, MO.; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He asked there be no formal services but that his body be cremated and ashes scattered in the high Colorado Rockies.

Cast to the wind what's left of me From a mountain top alone

Then let the cold wind sweep it clean And set no marker stone

But set a stone for my untold tales These words be all it need

Here lie the most profound of books That you will never read

Charles D King