Obituary

Robert "Alan" King, of Columbia, MO died on February 11, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born December 4, 1935, in Springfield, MO to J. Eldon and Bernice (Hayward) King. He maintained life-long ties to the Dadeville community. 

Survivors include his loving wife, Sue (Rourk) of the home, one son, Tad Alan Rourk King, and two grandchildren, Wyatt Everett and Jocelyn Shanna King all of Columbia, MO; brother Jay (Judy) King, Willard; nephews Joey (Micki) Pulleyking, Springfield, and Jeff King, of Willard, and a niece, Susan (Adam) Burks of Eureka Springs, AR, and several great nieces and nephews. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, and a great nephew, Micah Thomas Pulleyking. 

Alan's lifework as an agricultural leader began early in life as he was known for implementing modern farming practices, establishing a grade-A dairy, and expanding into a multi-discipline farming operation. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1957 (member of Farmhouse Fraternity), he taught high school science for five years in Stockton and Morrisville. During the same time, King was instrumental in establishing King Farms, Inc. with his parents. The farming operation was noted for introducing KY31 fescue seed to southwest Missouri in 1948 and for implementing improved methods of forage, grain, and livestock production and conservation practices. He specialized in converting marginal land into improved grass and seed production, producing 500,000 pounds of fescue seed annually. Alan sold commercial and registered purebred Hereford cattle throughout the United States. 

King opened The Red Barn Restaurant north of Greenfield, MO in 1973 near Stockton Lake and then sold the business to assume a position with USDA. He and Sue returned to operate The Red Barn Restaurant in 1985 and expanded it to its 360-seat capacity. The Red Barn Restaurant was famous for hosting large groups, serving delicious charbroiled steaks and fried zucchini, endless salad bowls, drinks served in fruit jars, its adjoining lounge, gift shop and air strip. A guest book reflected that visitors came from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The Kings sold the business in 1991, again to assume USDA positions in Washington. DC. 

King worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 34 years. He served as the ASCS/FSA County Executive Director in Dade, Calloway, and Cass counties, and was appointed the Missouri ASCS State Executive Director in 1977. His career culminated in two Presidential appointments to Senior Executive Service positions in Washington, D.C. where he was responsible for administering domestic and international food assistance programs and the U.S Warehouse Act. Alan was the first Missouri State FFA President from Dade County beginning years of activity in organizational work. He served as President of the Missouri Cattleman's Association in 1970-71 and served on the Dade County Historical Society. Most recently he served on the Youth in Agriculture Committee of the Missouri State Fair Foundation. During his career, King frequently piloted his own aircraft to meet a hectic schedule of activities. 

True to his lifelong connection to the Dadeville community, Alan and Sue made Dadeville their second home upon his retirement in 2000, and enjoyed returning frequently. He was a member of the Colonial Presbyterian Church. 

Services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Micki Pulleyking at 11 am, Friday, February 18, in the Dadeville Baptist Church with burial in the Dadeville Masonic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. until service time in the church. Due to COVID-19, please be mindful of maintaining a social distance. Also, you are welcome to and, indeed, encouraged to wear face masks to protect yourselves and others. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dadeville Masonic Cemetery or the Dade County Historical Society, or a charity of the donor's choice in care of the Greenfield Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers or donations, please do a kind deed for someone in Alan's memory. That is exactly what Alan King would love for you to do. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.