Elden Murrell King
Mar 27, 1927 -
Jul 19, 2020
Elden Murrell King, 93 years old, of McMinnville, Ore., passed away on July 19, 2020, due to natural causes. He was born on March 27, 1928, to Murrell King and Pauline Windom King in Bend, Ore. Elden graduated from Redmond Union High School in Redmond, Ore., in 1945, and joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation. Elden received his Bachelor of Science in general science in 1951 from Oregon State College, where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity, and a master's degree in education from Oregon State University in 1958. He married Jo Anne Trachsel in 1950. Elden is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Trachsel King; daughters, Debbie Grimes and Kati King; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by parents, Murrell and Pauline King; brother, James King; and son, Daniel King.
Elden was a teacher, coach and principal for more than 40 years. He began his career in Gabbs, Nev., as a teacher and coach. He was a principal in Port Offord, Ore., and at Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Ore. Elden moved to Alaska as principal of Chugiak High School and later vice principal at Bartlett High School in Anchorage. He retired in 1984 from the Anchorage School District. Elden lived in Alaska for 42 years before returning to Oregon.
Elden was a fisherman, gardener and reader. He is remembered by his family as a committed husband, father and grandfather. When not teaching or coaching, Elden enjoyed taking his kids and grandkids sledding and ice skating, finding good fishing holes, and digging and eating clams. A good conversationalist, Elden liked sharing stories of his past, discussing the news and swapping travel stories. Whether digging in his garden or shoveling snow, Elden pursued his passions and interests. Elden's legacy of education and care for others continues through his children and grandchildren.
A private memorial was held for family members on July 24, 2020. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bartlett High School, Attn: Activities, 1101 Golden Bear Dr., Anchorage, AK 99504, Memo Line: In honor of Elden King.
