More Sad News . . . Rod King

[Diane Merkel]

Rod King passed away several hours ago, an event which saddens me greatly. Rod and Chuck were roommates in Hardin the weekend Chuck and I first met, and that was the same weekend Rod met Arlene Reynolds, who would later become his wife. One of my happy memories of that weekend in June 1993 was the four of us having a late dinner at the Purple Cow.

Rod had a direct connection to 7th Cavalryman John King, who was wounded during LBH and who is said to be buried on the banks of the Yellowstone. Rod loved portraying his ancestor but had not been able to do so for quite a while. He was in extremely bad health in recent years, and he was devastated when Arlene died. He will suffer no more.

RIP, Sweet Rod.

[biggordie]

I did not know Rod King, but you and Chuck have my sympathies for your loss of a dear friend, as do all of Rod's friends and family.

Gordie

[Rabble]

Hi Diane,
I would like to add to your remarks about Ron King. He and Arelene were great friends of Pat and myself for many years, he re-enacting as Corporal King and Arlene as Libbie.

With Don Griffiths and others we spent many hours in the Sagebrush at the Crow Agency (not the Purple Cow as we didn't like the food!). Rod showed us over the Battlefield, the Yellowstone and later Monroe, Michigan. He also introduced us to Larry Frost.

As I said about Don - with Rod, another one of the good guys has gone.
Regards
Ron

[Diane Merkel]

I knew you would acknowledge Rod's death, Ron, because I know how close you were.

I realize I misidentified Rod's ancestor. He was related to George King, who was wounded at LBH and died of his injuries. That's why he was buried along the Yellowstone. John King died with Custer and was not related.

Best wishes,
Diane