Ralph King Obituary

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 MilitaryAirlift 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 was in charge of 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 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; 5 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his step mother Helen King Moore, brother Glendale King, sister Donna Jean (Jack) Thomas, and brother-in-law Glen McCaslin

Services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm (Noon) at Smith-Varns Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Stutzman officiating. Burial will follow in Union Hill Cemetery where Military Honors will be conducted by Homer Weiss American Legion Post 494. Friends may call from 11am- 12 PM prior to services at the funeral home.