WILTON MANORS, FLA. & CASCO — King Wilkinson, 80, of Wilton Manors, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

King was the son of Bernard and Helen (Edwards) Wilkinson. He grew up on his family’s farm on Mayberry Hill in Casco, Maine. He graduated from Casco High School in 1956, and attended the University of Maine. 

In 1969, King settled in Wilton Manors, Fla., where he was a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He was an active member of his community and devoted civic volunteer. Over the years he served as Chairman for his city’s Board of Adjustment and Director of both its Civic and Business Associations. From 1994 to 1998 he proudly served two terms as Mayor of Wilton Manors. King’s passion for preserving history extended from his lifetime collection of memorabilia to his long-standing support of the Wilton Manors Historical Society, who named him a City Pioneer in 2014. He thoroughly enjoyed owning a piece of history as the proprietor of “the world renowned” Red’s Bar. He considered both his staff and customers family, and continued to look forward to managing the business every day.  

King truly loved life and he lived it with style. He adored his family and friends. His charisma and positive outlook on life drew people near. His bottomless kindness and generosity impacted a great many lives. He worked hard and appreciated the hard work of others. He loved a good story and was always ready to hear one or share one. King had a quick and contagious laugh and he loved to have fun. A twinkle in his eye often forewarned that some lighthearted mischief was underway. He looked forward to returning to Maine every year for Casco Days and Fryeburg Fair; where he could often be found holding court in his box seat at the track with a winning ticket in hand. His happy place was sitting on the deck of his Thompson Lake house, next to his beloved Barbara, watching the wildlife settle in for the night.

King is survived by his devoted life partner of 36 years, Dr. Barbara Lunde his daughters Kelly (Jeffrey) Benjamin and Theresa (Ed) Nugent of Conn.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sister Marion (William) Vachon of Standish, Maine. He was predeceased by daughter Debra Wilkinson.

A celebration of King’s life was held on May 19, at the Richardson Historic Park in Wilton Manors, Fla. A memorial service is planned for later this summer at Dunkertown Cemetery in South Otisfield, Maine.