Edward J. King Jr. Aug 8, 1921 – Jun 3, 2012

June 04 2012

Edward J King Jr. 1921-2012, Co-Founder of King Estate Passes
Edward J. King Jr. was a true American success story. From humble beginnings on a dust bowl era wheat farm in Jetmore, Kansas he went on to become a leader in the avionics industry, and to co-found King Estate Winery with his son Ed King III and other family. His obituary is below. Friends and loved ones that would like to leave a comment for Ed Jr. and his family are encouraged to do so at the bottom of this post, below the gallery.

Thank you,

The King Family

Edward J. King, Jr. was born on his parents’ farm near Jetmore, Kansas on August 8, 1921. His parents were Edward and Winifred King. His family included a brother and three sisters. He attended a one room school house, often on his horse Ned.

King graduated from Hodgeman County Community High School and attended Dodge City Junior College before enrolling as an engineering student at Kansas State University. He graduated from Kansas State in 1943 and went to work as an engineer, working for several companies before founding Communications Accessories Company in 1948. In 1955, King sold the company to Collins Radio Corporation and continued to work for Collins until 1959, when he founded King Radio Corporation.

King Radio started in Ed King’s basement, and then moved into a farmhouse in a Kansas City suburb, Lenexa, Kansas. King Radio sales rose along with the growth in the general aviation market and the great success of King Radio products. Employment at King Radio rose into the thousands, and its products were widely accepted for all general aviation aircraft.

In 1985, Ed King, Jr. sold King Radio to Allied Signal/Bendix Aerospace and retired, only to join with his son, also named Ed King, and other family members, to found King Estate Winery in 1991. While Ed King, Jr. enjoyed a bountiful retirement, King Estate Winery has met with wide success, establishing the wines of Oregon across the U.S. The family’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence are exemplified by the life of Ed King , Jr.

King is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn G. King, his son Ed King (Jodee), daughter Shelley King Theis, son William King, daughter Shannon Young, son Ronald Innes (Michelle) and granddaughters, grandsons, and a great grandson. He is predeceased by his brother and sisters, his wife Mary Jo McHargue King, daughter Ann Katherine King, grandson Michael Lane Thomas.

From his high school class motto at Hodgeman County, Kansas: “Deeds, not words.” And so he lived his life.

to share thoughts and memories please scroll to the comments
section at the bottom of this page below the photo gallery.

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  • http://twitter.com/w0tm Gary Yantis

    As one of Ed’s earlier co-workers (he had co-workers – not employees) he didn’t care if you graduated from grade school.   What could you DO!  Many weekends he’d be right next to me working on the bench wiring together a prototype.  We’d work 24 hours straight and sleep on cots. That is how we beat Narco and all of the rest. Where are the “early King people”? John Aker, Floyd Enegren, Gene Grillott,  Cole Cunningham., Noel Rogers, How is Gary’s health of Garmin?  Ralph Crumrine, Charlie Bennett, Bob Cox, Wulfsberg (RIP), Gene Olson, Hundreds who I can’t remember names. Do you remember more names?  Is Ed the last of the WW2 and post WW2 KC pioneers?   A great guy and he built fine prototypes for me at 3 AM on  Sunday mornings!  Gary Yantis    WØTM ham call letters     Brother is George (KØGY) 40 years with King until retirement. Wife, Jackie, still there.

  • Dennis Nakata

    So very sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for the “wonderful” story. We’ll toast a wonderful man who leaves behind a loving family who will remember him always.

  • Sandy

    Some people make a big, beautiful impact. Apparently Mr. King was one of those. I had no idea, when I sipped a delightful glass of King Estates Pinot Grigio or other wine, that its provenance was in part from the same source of those wonderful KX170B Navcoms and other avionics in the airplane I was privileged to own and fly in the ’80s and ’90s. I sing in a community chorus whose recent performances of the Brahms “Ein Deutches Requiem.” The text of the last movement is beautifully illustrated in the life and works of Ed King, Jr.: “Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Herren sterben, von nun an. Ja, der Geist spricht, daß sie ruhen. Den ihre Werke folgen ihnen nach.” (“Blessed are the dead
    who from now on die in the Lord. “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors.
    and their works do follow them.” (Purists – please accept apologies for inexactness in these quotations.)To the family and close friends: every good wish for peace and comfort at the loss of your dear one. To those of us who knew him only vicariously: be enriched and strengthened by the example of this wonderful man. Raise a glass in salute, and strive to live as fully.

  • hoboduck

    Mr. King.  Your father was truly a great man.  He did live his life as a verb not a noun and he did it through deeds as his high school motto suggested.  Really a nice piece.  Your father would be proud.

    Bill and Bev Allen

  • Linda Wickwire

    Please except our condolences and sympothy for your loss.  I’ve been reading some of the comments below and am so amazed by all he’s done in his life.  I met him at the little Lorane Church one Sunday, and he and Carolyn both were so friendly and warm.  We are all blessed here in Lorane that you choose this little valley to build the your winery.  Your kindness, and generosity is well known.
    God bless you all.  You will be in our prayers for comfort and healing.
    Steve & Linda Wickwire

  • Tom McMahon

    He made many positive contributions to our community that he will always be a part of and remembered for.

  • Brian SHRIWISE

    I guess God needed a good connection to get some good wine.  My father was very close and I know he is deeply saddened by Ed’s passing.  Listening to story about Ed and my father as they grew up in Jetmore are priceless and will never be recaptured.  Those and many more similar memories will be cherished.  My thought and prayers go out to the King Family and the Class of 1939 from Jetmore, Kansas.
    GOD SPeed, Ed.
    Brian SHRIWISE, Son of Wayne SHRIWISE

  • Lynn and Dorothy Chilson

    Lynn and I were so sorry to read of your Father’s passing.  I had the opportunity to thank your parents for their part in creating our favorite place.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  I hope that soon the good memories of yesterday will replace the sorrows of today. 
    Lynn and Dorothy Chilson

  • Fan of King Estate

    I did not know Mr. King, but I am so grateful for what he and the rest of the King family have created here in the Eugene area. From your stewardship of the Earth, to the quality of your wine, to the memories my family and I have enjoyed at the winery, to the generosity of the company (my organization, the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, benefitted from this generosity during our Food Justice conference last year) you have given so much. Rest in peace, Ed King, Jr. and thank you.

  • Paul Bakalis

    We love your wine and no doubt would have loved your father as well.  Prayers for comfort and for celebration of a wondrous life and beautiful legacy.

    Tina and Paul Bakalis
    1301 East Desert Broom Way
    Phoenix, AZ  85048

  • Susan Jewett McFarlin McLaren

    Ed was a wonderful, loving, loyal friend to my parents since their college years together.  He will be missed by many here, but greeted by many in heaven. 

  • Jill Carter

    Having met you through some of your family members we consider ourselves blessed to have had the privilege of time shared with you, Ed and Carolyn.  You are gracious, welcoming and just amazing people!  Carolyn, we are so sorry for you and your family’s loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.  Take care of yourselves and always remember how many lives have been so positively touched by the King family over the years.  Ed was just one of those very special people and will be missed by all who knew him.  Our deepest sympathy to you Carolyn and all the family.  Marl and Jill Carter

  • Don Johnson

    A beautiful tribute to a “common” man who achieved greatness.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/3BPARDVP3YCK5X75NBKXOLNOWA Robert

    To the King family,

    Knew and compeded with Ed since 1966, A true gentleman.

    Mary Ann and I wish the famly our deepest condolences.

    BOB& MARY ANN BRUNSON N.J. X GLOBAL/WULFSBERG

  • Pat Gordon

    It is with a sad heart I was informed of the passing of Ed. I worked for Ed at King Radio in International Marketing. I retired in 1996. I also shared their Honeymoon in Singapore with Ed and Carolyn. Ed King was the reason General Aviation is where it is today. He developed thru King Radio the leaders of the future in Avionics for the General Aviation marketplace. May God grant Carolyn and his family peace in his passing. A Great Man has passed.

  • Sfahrion

    I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. King.
    My sympathy to the family of Mr. King and to the “King Estate” family.
    Sharon Fahrion
    (Tower Club member)

  • Niles E. Oregon

    We stand in awe of Ed’s many contributions to aviation. Everytime we fly,we are reminded of his efforts as we look at a King attitude indicator, a Horizontal Situation Indicator and communicate on a a King radio!
    We applaud his vision for the southern Willamette Valley.
    A very accomplished man with a wonderful legacy.
    Our deepest condolences.

    Niles and Mary Ann Hanson
    Rosen Sunvisor Sytems
    Eugene, Oregon

  • craig and brianna washington

    we are saddened  by your loss…

  • Teharrell

    We love King Estate! We will be going there next week to pick up our Tower Club wine and celebrate my wife’s birthday. We have missed seeing Ed in the recently. We used to see him often. Thanks to Ed for making such a great contribution to our area and the Oregon wine industry.

    Terry Harrell

  • Julie Farmer

    So sorry to hear this news, but thankful that you shared. 
    My husband and I had the great pleasure of meeting your father and his wife on our visit to your winery in May 2008. They were enjoying a glass of wine in the dinning room where we were having dinner. This encounter was the highlight of our trip to Oregon to tour the fine wine region. 
    We continue to enjoy your productions, and think of our encounter with your father often.

    Julie and Ted Farmer, Baxley, Georgia.

  • Mike & Jennifer Magee

    Condolences to the King family and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire King family

  • Shervin and Helen Esfandiari

    Our condolences to the King Family.

    Shervin & Helen

  • Mr. and Mrs. Lewis

    May God and loved ones comfort you and sustain you as you live through these difficult days.  With our deepest sympathy we share in your sorrow.  He will surely be missed, but leaving behind awesome memories that will live in your hearts for ever.
    Mr. and Mrs. Lewis

  • Rudy van der Goot

    Rudy van der Goot
    Learned to know Ed King in 1962,when I wanted to install a KY 90 in a DC 4 we had to ferry to europe and not having adequate equipment to do so.Later I worked for REA and than for King Radio,having enjoyed this a lot.It surely is a great loss for the family and for the industry.
    We will remember him as a good person and a friend,that he may rest in peace.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tanya-Baker/732634727 Tanya Baker

    Brilliant man……so sad to hear of his passing.  My heart goes out to your family.  You’ve create a wonderful jewel in our Willamette Valley with your King Estates winery.  I have been since day one and will continue to loyally support your business.  God Bless.  Tanya

  • Dave Fabozzi

    Dave Fabozzi
    To the King Family we at RNDC extend our deepest sympathy. As one of your distributors we have watched it flourish and become one of the leading brands not only in our portfolio but of all Oregon and the NW. Our RNDC team and our customers have enjoyed your gracious hospitality when visiting the winery and will remain true ambassadors for the brand.

  • Dorothy Schick

    So sorry to hear Mr. King has Gone West. As a pilot for many years my trust (and admiration) was placed in King Radios. Many an aircraft today operate with the standard of excellence Mr. King set in our industry. 

  • Williams_Dan

    Ed and Family — what a wonderful life story — you must be so very proud of his accomplishments and the extraordinary legacy he created for all of you  – and for those of us who enjoy your friendship and king estates — dan and maureen williams

  • guest

    We appreciated learning a little about Ed King Sr.’s life from his beginning thru to his co- venture into the winery of King Estate.  What a beautiful and successful life of hard work from a modest man of grand ideas and deeds.
    We extend our heartfelt sympathy to your entire family for your loss.   Even tho’ one never stops missing this lost, there are the memories that help carry one forward.

    With sincere condolences,
    The Marvels

  • Debra Mitchell McFarland

    My sincere sympathy to Carolyn and family -  Ed was such a generous man to the Aircraft Electronics Association and to my family.  I will always remember his kindness in sending wine for my daughter’s graduation celebration from Kansas State University in architecture and then setting up an interview for her with the architectural firm here in Kansas City that did King Estates Winery.   I was never as proud as when Ed asked me to accept an award from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) on his behalf — seriously….Ed King asking me.    He will remain a legend in the aviation industry and a dear friend in my heart.  Blue skies Ed.

  • Susan Caldwell

    To The King Family:
    I am so sorry for the loss of Mr King Jr.  I am grateful for his settling on the beautiful country side where King Estate Winery is now located and giving such a wonderful gift to the people of Lane County with his gracious establishment for all to enjoy. 
    With Sincere Sympathy,
    Susan Caldwell, Tower Club Member

  • Nick Tomassi

    Our condolences to the family. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. King, but know he was a very special person. We will continue to enjoy his great wines for a long time.
    Nick and Kathy Tomassi
    Wine, Beer and Spirits Writer and Educator
    Silverdale, WA.

  • O. Newton King

    Ed III, Carolyn, Shelly
    My thoughts are with all, but those times with Ed Jr. and I visited are rich memories that I savor now. I so enjoyed my stay at the Estates this past August. I hope to return again and again.
    O.Newton King

  • Micki Phillips

    Ed, We are so sorry for your loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Jason

    My heartfelt condolences, thank you Ed for inspiring our community.

  • denise vertrees

    While your father was slightly older than mine,  they were contemperaries.  My own father pasted 2 years ago and it was very hard, but you had a real bond and purpose.   I’m sure that your father’s ideals are refected inyour own.  Thank you for great wine, wonderful service and a history woth repeating.

    Thank you,
    Denise Vertrees 

  • Elizabeth Lorish

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful obituary. You father has left a lovely legacy to the citizens of Lane County. We live about 25 minutes away from King Estate and avail ourselves of any opportunity to visit. I was just here for my birthday lunch with a friend on Monday, June 4, and commented on how lucky we are to have this exquisite estate so close by.
    I always take out-of-town visitors to King Estate, especially European guests who tend to think Oregon is still so provincial. A Swiss friend reluctantly joined us for lunch last spring, wondering how anything in Oregon could compare to Europe. But when she arrived at King Estate, she said, in awe, “Now this is really worth it! This is fabulous.”I thank your father and your whole family for making all of us in Lane County look and feel wonderful. Because we are. Your family is. And your father was!We send our condolences…..Elizabeth and Fred Lorish (Tower Club members)

  • Brad Zeman

    I never met Ed King but he was great friend to our company.  He is a legend in our business and was a true pioneer of modern avionics. Many of todays most prominenet avionics leaders owe their start to King Radio and Ed King.  Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.

    Brad Zeman
    President
    J.A. Air Center
    Joliet Avionics

  • Pcasmuth

    We are so saddened by the news of your father’s passing.  He leaves behind a great legacy of love and accomplishements.  You have so much to be proud of.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Peter and C0leen Asmuth

  • http://www.ProximityWireless.com/ Keith Ebel

    I first met Mr. King at age 16 working for my Dad’s company Antenna Masters. We were designing and installing a Master Antenna System into his home in Mission Hills. Seeing all of the radios in his basement lab made me want to pursue R.F. engineering in a big way. After 4 years Navy and earning a pilots license and K-State EE degree King Radio became my first job out of college. Working for Ed was absolutely the best choice I could have made. Now my wife Susan and I have been in a small business of our own for ten years now (Proximity Wireless) and the entrepreneurial example that he set was fundimental to the path we’ve taken. Thank you Ed for all you did for so many, your example has left a legacy that goes on. (July 2009 at King Estates below)
    With Great Affection, Keith & Susan Ebel – Lenexa, KS (both King Radio employees)

  • Sasha Kadey

    Appove

  • Rick and Kristina Padgett

    We are so saddened by your loss.  Ed King was a true icon, and Lane County derives much of its pride in the jewel he and the rest of your family bestowed upon us; King Estates Winery.  Always a sparkle in his eye, a kind word for total strangers and a gift of gab, he was a great man.  I know you all will miss him dearly, and we will raise a toast to him and your whole family; of course it’ll be with a glass of fine King Estates Pinot.  Our thoughts are with you during this time.

  • Ed and Nancy Read

    Ed and Family
    Our sincere condolence on your loss. May you always hold close to heart your time and memories spent together. We will miss his presence when we come to the winery!
    Sincerely,
    Ed and Nancy Read
    Tower club members

  • Lspencer

    I started @King Radio in ‘78 and met my wife there and enjoyed 19 great years working there. Thanks Ed King! My prayers to all the his family,  friends and coworkers.

  • Kate Boney

    I had the honor of meeting Mr. King & his wife at a beautiful luncheon hosted by King Estate to thank all the local businesses that had supported them throughout the years.  He was a funny, charming & gracious man and I am truely grateful to have met him.  Please accept my sincere condolenses for your loss. A spirit like his is never really gone… the amazing life he led, children he gave life too and accomplishments he achieved will indeed live on!  Much love & hopes for healing at this time from all of us at Turtles &
    The Loft.  Sincerely, Kate Boney 

  • Wks1

    Ed, Jr.,I don’t think we are related King’s, but my memories of your father and the business he started are fond, if old.  I recall first seeing his radios when I was young as if I was looking in a candy store window!  I trust you take pride in your parent and pleasee accept my sympathiy at his passing.  W. King Sims

  • Saginawvineyard

    Our sincerest condolences in the loss of your father, Ed King Jr.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Scott, Cheryl & Karen
    Saginaw Vineyard LLC

  • Rich Pickett

    Your father’s initiative in developing advanced aircraft communication dramatically changed the ability of pilots to safely communicate for decades.  His contributions continue to be appreciated by the aviation community, and will be for many decades to come.  I could always depend upon his products.  His subsequent ventures sound equally successful.

  • Liz Kramer

    Ed King was a gentleman and a scholar, and I always enjoyed my conversations at the winery with him and Carolyn.  They created a lasting legacy that is one of the great attractions in our area, and a beautiful place to enjoy great food and wine with friends.  My sympathy to Carolyn and all the family.  Ed’s smile and positive energy will be missed.

  • Wayne

     

    Although I never knew Edward, I have certainly benefitted
    from his inventiveness and thinking. We pilots and the public generally are
    safer because of his efforts.

    My father passed away three years ago, and I think of him
    every day. I expect you will too. Although there is sadness, you can also take
    comfort in knowing he finished a task, and did it well.

    May you  find joy and
    fond memories in your grief.

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