Marell Walter King

Marell Walter King, affectionately known as “MW,” passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 57.

MW was born on July 4, 1969, to Ronnie King and Lynn Wells . From childhood, he lived with Muscular Dystrophy, facing physical challenges that became greater as the years passed. Yet MW never allowed the limitations of his body to place limits on his mind, his determination, or what he could accomplish.

MW graduated from Ballinger High School in 1988. His desire to learn and further his education remained with him throughout his adult life. In 2001, he graduated from Kingwood College with an Associate degree in Business, and in 2007, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Angelo State University.

His love of history eventually led him into the classroom, where he taught history at Central High School and Lake View High School in San Angelo, Texas. Teaching gave MW an opportunity to share his knowledge and passion for history with a new generation. He made a lasting impact on young students and took great pride in being able to educate and encourage them.

Throughout his life, MW’s faith in God and his love of history touched the lives of many people. Whether sharing his knowledge with students, discussing the past with family and friends, or quietly living according to his beliefs, he left an impression on those fortunate enough to know him. His faith gave him strength throughout the many challenges he faced, while his love of learning gave him a lifelong connection to the people, places, and generations that came before him.

MW’s love of history extended far beyond the classroom. He had a deep passion for genealogy and spent countless hours researching his ancestry, tracing family lines, discovering the stories of those who came before him, and preserving his family’s history for future generations. For MW, genealogy was more than names and dates on a family tree. It was a way of understanding where he came from and remaining connected to the generations who came before him.

For all of his education, accomplishments, and intellectual curiosity, MW also appreciated the simple things in life. He didn’t need anything elaborate to be content. Some of his happiest moments could be found simply sitting outside on the porch with his dog, Duke, enjoying the day and the familiar comforts of home.

On October 24, 1998, MW married his beloved wife, Chanda Nicole Turner, in the Dallas Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their temple marriage reflected their shared faith and belief that the bonds of marriage and family can continue beyond this earthly life. Together they made their home for many years in San Angelo, Texas, and Spring, Texas, before MW eventually returned home to Ballinger.

Family held a special place in MW’s heart. He genuinely enjoyed visits and opportunities to spend time with those he loved. He is survived by his parents, Ronnie King and Lynn Wells King; his younger brothers, Bryan King wife Kelly, Kelly King wife Amanda, Vernon King wife Tana, and Erik King wife Kandace; and his younger sister, Ronda King. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who as children affectionately knew him as “Uncle Dubby.”

MW was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Chanda; his paternal grandparents, Marell and Lurene King; and his maternal grandparents, Cleo and Walter Wells.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, MW’s faith carried with it the promise that the family relationships he valued so deeply do not end with death. His family finds comfort in believing that he has been reunited with his beloved Chanda and with the generations of family members whose names and stories he spent so many years discovering.

There is something especially fitting about a man who devoted so much of his life to finding and learning about his ancestors now joining them on the other side of the veil.

He was MW to his family and friends, Mr. King to the students whose lives he touched, and Uncle Dubby to the nieces and nephews who grew up loving him.

And perhaps one of the simplest ways to remember MW is to picture him at home, sitting outside on the porch with Duke beside him, content to enjoy the day and the company of those he loved.

Though his family will deeply miss his presence, they find peace in imagining MW free from the physical limitations he carried for so many years, reunited with Chanda and surrounded by generations of family he once knew through names, records, photographs, and stories.

For a man who spent so much of his earthly life looking backward to find his family, there is comfort in believing that when his journey here ended, his family was there waiting to welcome him home.

Families can be together forever.

The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank-you to the Ballinger EMTs, Julie Miller, and MW’s nephew Bryan King for the love, kindness, care, and support you have shown Marrell and his family. Your compassion and willingness to be there when needed have meant more to our family than words can adequately express, and we will always be grateful.