Ellis Darwin King

Ellis Darwin King, 90, of Salem and formerly of Highland County passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Virginia Veterans Care Center.  He was born March 29, 1930, a son of the late Martin Ellis King and Grace Emile (Page) King.

Following his graduation from Monterey High School, Darwin enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Mansfield during the Korean Conflict.  And, within days of his discharge from service he married Patsy Jean White on April 11th, 1953 in Las Vegas.

Mr. King was an electrical contractor who operated throughout Highland and Bath Counties and also owned and operated D. King’s, Inc.  A civic-minded individual, Darwin was deeply involved in the community as a charter member of the Mill Gap Ruritan Club and former member of the Highland (Monterey) Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed time spent gardening, traveling, camping, hunting, and fishing. Darwin will be remembered as a provider with a strong work ethic, but more importantly as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. King leaves behind two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and George Hogshead, and Rhonda and Carter Gibson, all of McDowell; his son and daughter-in-law, Ellis D. King, II and wife, Manette of Fulks Run; four granddaughters, Laura Hogshead and husband, Kortney Wells, Sarah Patterson and husband, Jonathan, and Gretchen and Serenity King; four great-granddaughters, Anna and Molly Patterson and Josephine and Avery Wells; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Ronnie White of Monterey; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Darwin was preceded in death by his brother, Zane King, and his grandson, Dr. Charles Gregory Hogshead.

A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in Monterey Cemetery with Rev. Mark Davis officiating.

Active pallbearers include R.J. White, Pete White, Wayne Marshall, J.J. White, Corey White and Daniel Marshall.

The staff of Obaugh Funeral Home will receive family and friends wishing to pay their respects between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 29th at Obaugh Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Highland Baptist Church, 302 Jackson River Rd, Monterey, VA or Mill Gap Ruritan Club, P.O. Box 233, Monterey, VA 24465.