BANGOR and BREWER – Col. Wesley “Wes” D. King, 82, died Jan. 17, 2011, at a Bangor hospital. He was born Nov. 8, 1928, in Augusta, the son of Verne J. and Violet (Cooley) King. Wes was raised by his grandmother, Rena Savage; and his aunt, Evelyn Savage. He graduated from Cony High School, Augusta, Class of 1947. He worked for the Kennebec Journal, Augusta, for nine years as a pressman in the printing field, and composing room as a lineotype machinist. He began his military career by enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1947. He joined the Maine Air National Guard that same year and served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, 1951-1952, during the Korean War. He served as an air technician administrative clerk and supply sergeant, a supply officer for 18 years at Bangor Air National Guard base. In June 1979 he was transferred to the State Headquarters, Augusta, serving as the executive support staff officer until his retirement in 1986. He was promoted to colonel in 1981. Wes was presented the Legion of Merit Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious peacetime military honors, by Maj. Gen. Ernest Park, the adjutant general, when he retired. Wes was a member of American Legion Post No. 93, Bucksport; a former director of Augusta Maine Junior Chamber of Commerce; and an active member of International Association of Lions Club, Bangor, having served as president and secretary. He enjoyed volunteering for Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, was a bell ringer, and was involved with blind bowling, Senior Little League World Series, AARP and Cole’s Land Transportation Museum. In his earlier years, Wes was active as a Cub Scout pack leader, a Little League Farm League coach, a youth basketball coach for YMCA, a member of a bowling league, Barry’s 9 baseball team, and he enjoyed camping. In his later years Wes thoroughly enjoyed living on Toddy Pond, East Orland, and sailing on the pond. He also enjoyed winters in Florida, model trains, antique cylinder record players, traveling and furthering his education. Wes was a very kind person who would do anything for anyone. He did everything by the book and was a perfectionist. He was the staple in the family that everyone leaned on for help and guidance. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Laura Ponsant King. Surviving are his wife, Donna Chapman King of Bangor; three sons, James King and his wife, Kristi, of Sanford, John King and his companion, Reagan Spellman, of Dedham and Steven King of Scarborough; four stepchildren, Maj. Pete Webb Jr., U.S. Army, retired, and his wife, Melissa, of Orlando, Fla., Kyle Webb of Dedham, Elizabeth and Scot Prudente of Bangor, and Michael Webb and his wife, Doreen, of Dedham; grandchildren, Tyler King and his fianc?e, Emily Vachon, and Castine and Kayden King; and stepgrandchildren, Blair Webb, Erica Prudente, Emily Prudente and her fianc?, Eddie Bischoff, Tara, Kayla and Ellie Webb. Relatives and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, with the Rev. Susan Davenport, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Bangor, officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Reception Rooms of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main St. Brewer, after the graveside service. Gifts in his memory may be sent to St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, ME 04402-1638; American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086; or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com. Husband, Dad, Papa We love you… For all the times you were there. With understanding to show you care. We love you… For always knowing what to do. You are who we look up to. We love you… For the strength of our family. Thank you for all you have given us. We will always love you. Author unknown
COL. WESLEY ‘WES’ D. KING, U.S. AIR FORCE, RETIRED
