Louis Wexler King, affectionately known as “Papa Willie” and “Grandfather Willie”, was born to Albertina and Samuel King on August 9, 1910 in St Andrews Parish on the Island of Barbados and died at age 108 on February 2, 2019 in Springdale, Maryland. 0n October 11, 1917, he along with his mother and four brothers arrived in the Republic of Panama to begin a new life. In 1931, the Panama Canal Company hired him to maintain and repair locks on the Canal.
ln1941, Louis secured a permanent position with the Motor Transportation Division (MTD) of the Panama Canal Company. He was quickly promoted to Dispatcher, and then to Supervisory Dispatcher on the Atlantic Side of the MTD. He continued to serve the MTD during World War ll, sharing many stories about working closely with the U.S. Armed Forces driving VlPs to undisclosed locations across the Isthmus of Panama.
In 1978, Louis retired after 41 years of service. That same year, he immigrated to the United States. ln1985, he became a proud United States citizen.
Louis had a mantra that he learned early in life, and he recited to his children, which goes; “lf a job is once begun never leave it till it’s done. Be the job great or small, do it well, or not at all”. His work ethics enabled him to stand out and to excel in all endeavors.
Louis loved God and his family. He was a man of great faith and prayed for the intentions of his family three times daily. Louis loved listening to classical music, singing, discussing politics and sports, especially golf and boxing.
He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking well into his 90s. He was able to travel back to Barbados fulfilling a life-long wish to see his ancestral home. In 2014, Papa Willie visited Panama and the Rainbow City High School Class of 1969 honored him, as part of their recognition of Panamanian community patriarchs.
In 2016, Louis traveled to Norfolk, Virginia where the Rainbow City High School Class of 1972 again honored him. At 108 years of age, his mind was sharp. He remembered so many details about past events and could discuss and debate current events.
He even recalled events about his children and grandchildren as they were growing up and always had a good story to share. Papa Willie was a true historian, and the loving patriarch of his family. Most importantly, he always demonstrated a genuine love for his family and family friends; he never forgot to say, “I love you”.
His beloved wife of 70 years, lsabelle Geraldine King, two daughters Gwendolyn King and Veronica Albertina King, and one son Raymond King, preceded Papa Willie in death. He leaves to cherish his memories two daughters: June King-Dumas, Antonia King-Stephens; five sons: Lionel King Sr, Ignatius King, Augusto King, Dr. Francisco King, and Rafael King; sons in law: Calvin Dumas and José Stephens; daughters in law: Gwendolyn M. King, Betty King and Yasmin D. King; 22 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 10AM at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 930 SW Tunis Avenue Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34953.
Burial will follow at Rolling Oaks Cemetery. A Reception will follow burial at Haisley Tribute Center. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Louis Wexler King please visit our Sympathy Store.
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