Richard “Dick” Pulley, 93, of King City, MO passed away Friday, September 5, 2025, at Countryside Village in King City, MO. He was born on May 25, 1932 near Oak, Missouri, the son of John and Faye (McCartney) Pulley.
Richard graduated from high school at Union Star, MO in 1950, and then enrolled at Ranken Tech in St. Louis. Soon after completing his schooling Richard began work as a mechanic at Pettijohn Ford Motor Co. in King City, a career that spanned over 40 years.
Richard served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He completed basic training in February 1953, and then deployed to Korea, serving in the 45th Infantry Division, 189th Field Artillery Battalion Unit, a chapter in his life that exemplified his sense of duty and courage. After completing his military service Richard continued his career at Pettijohn Ford, and it was there that he first met Arleta Burke. They married on June 24, 1956 at the Star Chapel Church. Richard and Arleta celebrated 68 years of marriage, a testimony of the love and commitment they shared. Richard took great joy in and loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard put his faith and trust in God at a young age which was evident in his life, and in his involvement and service at the First Christian Church. He served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, helped prepare breakfast and other meals for the men’s groups and other events, and often helped with repairs and upkeep at the church. Richard and Arleta also enjoyed many outings with groups from church. They loved traveling and also took numerous trips throughout the US, and trips to London and Switzerland.
Richard never really “retired”. He used his skill and creativity to repair and overhaul tractors, build a steam engine, furniture, a calliope, barrel train and other toys. Richard also enjoyed serving the King City community in many different capacities, including King City Alderman, serving at the local American Legion, and working on many projects at the Tri-County Museum, and for Living History Day. Richard always looked forward to having coffee with his friends at the Senior Center, and often shared a joke, or a story from years past. He especially enjoyed the brownies, M&Ms, and apple fritters.
Richard is survived by three sons, Randall (Janet) Pulley of St. Joseph, MO, John (Chris) Pulley of St. Charles, MO and Dan (Julie) Pulley of Fenton, MO; one daughter, Judy (Kelvin) Hawkins of King City, MO. Richard was also blessed with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Spoor of Maryville, MO, brother Owen Pulley of King City, MO, sister-in-law Carole Burke of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as a nephew, nieces and cousins. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Arleta.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13 at the First Christian Church, King City, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, King City, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in King City Cemetery, King City, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the King City First Christian Church and/or the Tri-County Museum in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, King City, MO 64463.
