Edward William King, III

Life’s Reflection

Edward William King III, affectionately known as "Ed" and "Papa", departed this life at home on May 25, 2021. He was born on May 27, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas. He is the son of Edward William King Jr. and Mayme Ruth Wilson. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael King; sisters, Marilyn J. Hall; Marianna Brewer; Rochelle Chandler; and brothers, David A. Dossett; and Earl S. Dossett. 

Edward was educated in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Sumner High School for one year, where he met his future wife, Portia. He spent his final years of high school at De La Salle Military Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated in 1958. A talented athlete, Edward played basketball and ran track in high school and earned a basketball scholarship to Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri. 

In July of 1961, Edward married A. Portia Davis. Together, they had three children:  Edward IV, Michael, and Paula King. Edward was employed by General Motors at the Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. He held the position of Planning Coordinator when he retired in 1993 after 30 years of service. 

After retiring, Edward stayed busy. He joined the Heart of America Kansas City Tuskegee Airmen Chapter. Throughout his time in the chapter, he held the titles of historian, vice president, and president. In 2001, Edward wrote a book titled Heart of America Chapter, Tuskegee Airman: Biographical Profiles, a copy of which is now located at the Library of Congress. Through his book and his membership, Edward worked to share the story and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, a task in which he held much pride. Edward was also involved with several historical projects on the national and local level, writing and contributing articles to the Wyandotte County Historical Society and the National Register of Historic Places. In his free time, he enjoyed researching the genealogy of his and his wife’s families.

Edward was a wonderful son, husband, father, and grandfather and was well-known for his quick wit, good sense of humor, and warm personality. He was a caretaker and always made sure that others around him felt loved and accepted. Wherever Edward went, he never met a stranger- either running into one of his many friends and acquaintances or introducing himself to someone new. He knew how to cheer up his friends, his family, and strangers through his jokes and memorable laugh. He also took pride in being a sharp dresser.

Edward enjoyed socializing and spending time with his family. He spent much of his free time with his grandchildren in Kansas City participating in their activities.

He leaves to cherish his life in memories: his wife, A. Portia King; half-brother, Kenneth King; son, Edward W. King IV; daughter, Paula King; daughters-in-law, Dolores Burke-King; and Sandra King; four grandchildren, Anna King; Lauren King; Porter King; and Logan King; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of the flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the Heart of America TAI Scholarship Fund.

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