Hursel Lee "Buddy" King, Jr.

IN MEMORY OF: Hursel Lee “Buddy” King, Jr. Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Hursel Lee “Buddy” King, Jr., age 71, of Vergennes, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He was born on January 24, 1954 to Hursel Lee, Sr. and Betty Lucille (Taylor) King in Carbondale, Illinois. On December 26, 1973, he married the love of his life, Ann O’Connor, and together they have spent over 51 years of love and devotion, and she survives. Hursel worked in construction and had a deep passion for operating heavy equipment, excavating and working with concrete. He was co-owner of B&H Construction, along with his father. Throughout his life he had several other business ventures with members of his family. Hursel was a member of the Central Laborers Union Local 227 and Operating Engineers Local 318. He retired at age 65. Hursel shared strong Christian values, and was full of faith. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Hursel’s hobbies included anything from the sports world. He especially enjoyed watching and supporting his kids and grandkids in sports. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Braves. He loved camping and boating at Crab Orchard Lake. Hursel’s other hobbies included fishing, hunting, stock and odyssey car racing, as well as playing poker and pinochle with family and friends. Hursel “Buddy” was best known for his giant heart and strong work ethic, his big smile and love for life, his devotion and love to his wife, his deep care to his children and grandchildren, who were his whole world, his profound loyalty to his entire family, and his desire to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will always be remembered as the most loving husband, the most caring father, the best papa, the greatest friend, and the strongest man. Along with his wife, survivors include his son, Hursel Lee Barrett King, III (Heather) of Ste. Genevieve, Mo; daughter, Betty Jo Melby (Benjamin) of Elkville; grandchildren, Logan King, Gavin Roberts, Brandon King, Mylee Roberts, Levi King, and Clinton King; sisters, Sondra Tuthill (Richard) of Vergennes and Cheryal Jones (Steve) of Murphysboro; brother-like cousins, Gene Reed King of Perryville Mo, and Mark King of Dexter, Mo; along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents. A family hosted Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. The cremation of Hursel Lee “Buddy” King, Jr. will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to Elverado Booster Club, 514 S. 6th St, Elkville, IL 62932, because of Hursel’s deep love of sports; and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, because of Hursel’s compassion to help others. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hursel Lee "Buddy" King, Jr.

January 24, 1954 - February 22, 2025