White River Junction, VT – Melvin "Mel" A. King, 81, of White River Junction, VT died on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH.  Mel was born in Hollywood, CA on September 9, 1942, to Floyd and Betty (DeBruyn) King and was raised by his grandparents Thomas Arthur and Ida Mae King from a young age in Ottumwa, IA and always claimed Iowa as home. Growing up with his uncle Wayne, the two were very close and referred to one another as brothers.

Mel loved music and was a talented drummer and vocalist; after high school he toured the Midwest states playing rock and roll and still had the Gretch drum kit that he bought new in 1956. His musical knowledge was vast, and he had a deep appreciation for all genres. He enlisted in the US Army in 1967 and served two tours of duty, first in Vicenza, Italy and later in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge in 1971 he lived in California and worked as a contract graphics designer, including projects for Pixar and Hallmark. He moved to New England to be with his wife, Jayne Ayer King, after the two married in Henniker, NH on September 29, 2002.

Mel enjoyed square dancing, bowling, playing monopoly, and following St. Louis Cardinals baseball with his family and friends; he was well known for his jokes and "stories." He will be dearly missed by those who loved him and has gone to be with his heavenly Father.

He is survived by his wife Jayne of White River Junction; a son Ramsey King of CA; an uncle Wayne King of St. Louis, MO; two stepsons Heath Anderson and wife Lisa of Alstead, NH and Clint Anderson and wife Megan of Norwich, VT; six step grandchildren Natalie, Landon, Katilin, Jon, Owen, and Ella; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A service to celebrate Mel's life will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 117 Wentworth Way, White River Junction, VT.