John King

John Kerry King, age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at his home in Stanton, Kentucky. He was born on Sunday, May 2, 1948, in Stanton, Kentucky, to the late English King and the late Mattie Willoughby King. John worked at Southern States, Bundy Tubing, and Kentucky Auto Parts through the years. He was very hardworking and strongly committed to his beliefs. John was dependable and someone who could always be counted on. He was always willing to help anyone who was in need. John was a dedicated tobacco farmer and cut hay for his horses. He was renowned for his exceptional skills as a horse trainer and breaker. John's deep-seated passion for horseback riding took him across sprawling fields and sun-drenched trails, where he felt most at home. In his later years, he relished the camaraderie of wagon-trail rides, guiding teams of majestic horses through beautiful landscapes. As a young man, he often indulged his adventurous spirit in raccoon hunting, forging unforgettable memories under starry skies. At his farm, the highlight of the year was the annual pig roast, a lively gathering that showcased John's culinary skills and brought together friends and family to celebrate with laughter, music, and delicious food. He found joy in the simple rhythms of rural life. John's greatest treasure, however, was the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John cherished sharing his wealth of knowledge and his profound love for horses, fostering a legacy that would inspire future generations. In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Wierman King; three brothers: Donald King, Thomas King, Equillis King; and two sisters: Janet Meadows and Bonnie Jean Morton. He is survived by two sons: Kelly (Lynn) King of Stanton, and Brandon King of Clay City; two daughters: Loretta Whitaker of Stanton, and Shannon (Rick) Ballard of Lancaster; two brothers: Bedford King of Stanton, and Chester (Janet) King of Mount Sterling; six sisters: Vina Morton of Clay City, Alta (Arnold) Roach of West Carrollton, Ohio, Olga (Roger) Sullivan of Falmouth, Margaret (Eugene) Collett of Hamilton, Ohio, Marsha (Eddie) McCoy, and Mable McIntosh both of Stanton; eight grandchildren: Samantha (Stephen) Adams, Hannah Whitaker, Stacy King, Sydney King, Alicia (Jamison) Teater, Kaitlyn Smith, Scotty (Chelsea) King, Waylon King: and nine great-grandchildren: Emersyn Adams, Raegan Adams, Jaxon Teater, Ellie Kate Cook, Lydia Farmer, Ivy Lanham, Paisley Wilson, Luna King, Cyrus King. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Honorary pallbearers are Butch Adams, Rick Shastid, Mary Kaye Eades, his nieces and nephews, and his horseback riding friends. A pig roast memorial will be held on his farm on May 2, 2026, to celebrate his life. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.