Kenneth King

Kenneth R. King, of Bangor and Chester, Maine, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at 84 years old, with his wife of 64 years, Leta A. King, and his daughters, Jori-Lynn Briggs and Jana Plummer, by his side.

A quiet man by nature, Ken was stoic, poised, and held a good sense of humor.

Ken was a hard worker. Ken was especially proud of his 35-year career at Western Auto and still found the time to operate “Ken’s Small Engine Repair” in the evenings to further support the ones he loved. In later times, Ken would stay busy by working at Marden’s in Lincoln and Brewer.

Ken was a lover of music and art. He played multiple instruments throughout his life and finished many paintings, fine woodwork, and crafts. He gave to the community of Chester by hosting Gospel music concerts on his hand-built stage while his wife operated an on-site food truck named “The Lunchbox.”

Ken was strong in his faith. He spent many years as a deacon of the church, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Lincoln, Maine. He was currently attending Twin City Baptist Church in Brewer. He led thoughtful and meaningful blessings over many meals. His special words of prayer will be missed.

Ken, or “Papa,” as his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren knew him, will be greatly missed. His family finds comfort in knowing he lived such a fulfilled life full of working hard, playing music, attending church and their activities, fishing, gardening, woodworking, making priceless unique toys for his beloved grandchildren, whom he called “honey-bears,” or simply sitting quietly with one of his favorite companions, Ken and Leta’s dog, Zoe.

Ken is predeceased by his mother, Myrtie (Oliver) King, father, Ralph F. King Sr., brothers, Frederick King and Ralph King Jr., and a sister, Avis (King) Overlock.

Ken is survived by his wife, Leta (Jordan) King of Bangor, Maine.

Daughter Jori-Lynn (King) Briggs and her husband Robert Briggs Jr. of Bangor, Maine.

Daughter Jana (King) Plummer and her husband Christopher Plummer of Bangor, Maine.

Grandchildren Logan Briggs, his wife Melissa, and great-grandson Theo of Pownal, Maine.

Kelsey-Lynn (Briggs) Mallory-MacDonald, her husband Kyle, and great-grandchildren Cedric and Wynn of Bangor, Maine.

Kylie (Plummer) Shedd, her husband Dustin, and great-grandchildren Madelyne, Aaron, and Ava of Wahiawa, Hawaii.

Mykenzie Plummer and her partner, Cullen MacDougall of Bangor, Maine.

A funeral service will be held 2 pm. Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where relatives and friends are welcome to call 1 pm until time of service. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Ohio St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., following the service.