Marvin King

Marvin King, age 93 of New Edinburg, Arkansas passed from this life to his heavenly home on Sunday, October 11, 2026. He was born on January 19, 1933 to the late Alvin King and Maudie Wilson King. He was raised and educated in New Edinburg, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force where he served in the Korean War. After serving in the Air Force and being honorably discharged he came back to New Edinburg, Arkansas. After returning home from the war, he graduated from the University of Monticello with a degree in early childhood education. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, obtaining a master degree in education. He had been in the education profession more than 40 years. He taught at Kingsland as a history teacher, girls basketball coach, and other duties. He then went to New Edinburg as boys’ basketball coach and took them to state championship in 1957. In the fall of 1962, he became elementary principal at Edgewood Elementary School in the Watson Chapel district until he retired in 1984. After retirement he was called on to be the interim superintendent at Kingsland. On November 24, 1954 he married the love of his life, Betty Jean St. John King. They raised two sons, Randy King and Paul King together.

Marvin was a faithful member of Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church. Education and children were his passion. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Marvin loved hunting, fishing and mostly his home at New Edinburg. He would often tell some of the most interesting stories, and how he loved his community. He loved his grandkids and great grandbabies. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean St. John King; a son, Randy King; and a grandson, James Chance King; three brothers, Lloyd King, Louie King, and “Little” Leonard King; one sister, Louise Graves; and a brother-nephew, Bobby Milton and a host of nieces and nephews.

Marvin is survived by a son, Paul (Laura Kay) King of Pine Bluff; grandson, Jacob (Lacy) King of Cabot; two granddaughters, Ashley (Tom) Korzaniewski of Albuquerque, NM, and Rachel (Josh) DePriest of Morrilton; three great grandchildren Taylor Kate, Phillip, Sydney & a baby boy is expected in November, one sister, Lorene (Chuck) Bilquist of Slidell, LA.

We would like to thank the New Edinburg community and surrounding area for the care you have shown to our family. Thank you to Jimmy and Shirley Langford, Pat St. John, Tata Perry and many others. A special thank you to Katlin with Gentiva Hospice for the love and care she gave to our dad. Words cannot express our appreciation to everyone.

Visitation will be Thursday 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. followed by a story time from 2:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in New Edinburg. Graveside services will be 3:30 p.m. at McCoy Cemetery with Rev. Ware Russell officiating. Pallbearers will be Jacob King, Dean Bowen, Sonny Bowen, Wade Veorster and Jimmy Langord. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.