Merick “M.J.” Joseph King, Jr., 76, of Stowell, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur.  He was born September 1, 1938, in Arnaudville, Louisiana, to Zula Dean King and Merick King, Sr.

Mr. King is survived by son, Herbert King, of Stowell; daughters, Vera King, Wanda King and Nett King, all of Temple; son, Reginal King , of Stowell; daughters, Jackie King and Tonja King, both of Jackson, Mississippi; sisters, Gracie Levier and Orelia Guillory; brother, Mormon King; and thirteen grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cora King; and son, Merick King, III.

A gathering of Mr. King’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015, at St Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, 303 ½ East 1st Street, Stowell, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.