Sam King

Sam King, 92, was born in Stanley, New Mexico to Will and Molly King, on August 4, 1922, just a few years after they homesteaded in the Estancia Valley in 1917. He went to be with the Lord on November 26, 2014 at the Beehive Home in Edgewood. Sam had great responsibilities as a young boy growing up on a farm and running a dairy. In 1932 he started dry land farming and walked behind a horse to plow the land. His family lived bravely through the depression years and helped others when they could. During his years at Stanley High School, he got up very early, milked the cows, delivered the milk to Santa Fe and returned to attend school. Sam graduated in the Stanley High School Class of 1941 along with his high school sweetheart Margaret Lacy. They married in October of 1941. They were married for 2 months when Pearl Harbor was bombed. When the US entered World War II, Sam continued farming to help the war effort and delivered milk to the Japanese Internment Camp outside of Santa Fe. Sam, his father Will, and his brothers Bruce and Don, grew pinto beans on their dry land farm. When his dad passed away in 1949, the brothers carried on with the family farm. Their mother, Mollie, served as the farm bookkeeper for many years. During the early 1950's they were the first in the Estancia Valley to irrigate crops. There was an ocean of water under their land. They also raised beef cattle on the range and in feedlots. Sam supported his younger brother Bruce’s effort as he entered public service and through his three terms as governor. Sam, Bruce, and younger brother Don were always together and people in the community saw them riding around in their pick up to check on their large ranch and farm holdings. They hired many local people to help them with the farming and ranching and some of the men stayed with King Brothers for as many as 50 years. Sam and Margaret attended Stanley Union Church where he was Sunday School Superintendent and Church Board President and she played the piano and taught Sunday School. Sam and Margaret raised four children who all graduated from Moriarty High School. Sam served the community in many capacities. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and went on to become a Boy Scout Leader. Later, Sam served on the Stanley and Moriarty School Board for over 35 years. The Moriarty-Edgewood School District Administration Building is named in his honor. He also served for five decades with the Edgewood Soil and Water Conservation District. Sam was a member of the New Mexico Amigos, enjoying many trips around the country with them. He loved sharing stories and encouraging growth for his native state, New Mexico. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club in Moriarty and was recognized and honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1985, a few years after the loss of his first wife, Sam married Che Sun Kim. He and Che Sun enjoyed many years of travelling, gardening, and fun . They resided in the beautiful rock house in Stanley that he built in 1941 Sam was preceded in death by his father Will, daughter Jeanette, wife Margaret, mother Mollie, and brother Bruce. Those he left behind include wife Che Sun Kim King, sister Leota and husband of Montana, brother Don King and wife Dorothy, son David Will King and wife Marty, daughter Wanda Fishburn and husband Mike , son Sam Lester King and wife Erin. Grand children John Fishburn and wife Lara,Michelle Fishburn, David Will King II and wife Melissa, Kevin Sam King and wife Linda, Audra King and husband James Deck,and Tyler King and wife Chauna, and Shannon Moore; Chesun’s daughters Teresa Rembe and husband Matt and Lisa Houser husband Ken. Great grandchildren include Steven Fishburn, Kara Fishburn, Avery King, Emma King, Daniel Fishburn, Sam Tyler King, Reece Deck, Lily King, Benjamin King and Delaney Clark. Che Sun’s grandchildren Mateo and Max Rembe and Ella Houser. He also had many nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who drove to Stanley to help Sam and Che Sun and the caregivers at the Beehive in Edgewood. Their kindness will always be remembered. Pall Bearers will be Mike Fishburn, John Fishburn, Tyler Sam King, David Will King II, Kevin Sam King, James Deck, Bill King, and Jerry King. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you give to the Jeanette King Scholarship fund at UNM. Viewing: Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty on Monday December 1, 2014, from 4:00pm-6:00pm Funeral Services: Stanley Union Church December 2, 2014 at 10:00am Burial to immediately follow at Stanley Cemetery Following the service, a lunch reception will be held at Moriarty Civic center at 12:30pm