Charles Donald King, Jr. March 27, 1950 – January 3, 2026
Charles Donald King Jr. passed away quietly at his home on Saturday, January 3, 2026. A man of extraordinary talents, Charles distinguished himself as: Museum Director, local historian, consultant, event planner, artist, writer, designer, antique and book collector, genealogist, interior decorator, contractor, chef, and much more. While his accomplishments were many, he was most proud of his decades-long transformation of the Milam County Museum from a small local museum to a tri-building complex, full of fascinating exhibits, carefully cataloged archival materials (acquired, donated or loaned to the museum), and historically-significant documents, including originals – all designed to showcase and preserve the unique history of Milam County for present and future generations. He worked tirelessly and selflessly, issuing a clarion call to citizens of Milam County, and all those who value their heritage, to support and preserve Milam County’s history. During his tenure as Director, Charles raised significant additional funds to expand and enhance the Musuem through its supporters (Friends of the Museum), grants, the publication and sale of historical writings, compilation of the Heritage Collection Cookbook, and numerous imaginative fundraising events, including Christmas galas featuring his homemade cheesecakes, as well as evenings of dancing under the stars on the illuminated Brushy Creek Bridge (Ledbetter Bridge) at Wilson-Ledbetter Park to the versatile music of a premiere Austin band. In addition to maintaining the museum buildings and exhibits, Charles brought beauty to the exterior of the old Historical Jail Musuem by planting and maintaining shrubs, flowering plants, and trees.
Prior to becoming director of the Museum, Charles served as a volunteer under the former museum director, where he learned the inner workings of the museum and prepared for his future role as Director, which he maintained until November of 2022. To further promote Milam County, Charles designed a special blue and white County flag, which was flown at the Milam County Courthouse.
In addition to his devotion to the Milam County Museum, Charles continued to serve as consultant, officer and Board Member of the Rockdale Historical Society, where he mentored volunteers to ensure the successful development and perpetuation of historical projects of the Society. He also served on the Cameron Tourism Committee, bringing his energy and insights to draw businesses and visitors to Cameron and Milam County.
Charles was a highly gifted artist in all media and passionately used his creative talents to bring beauty and value to whatever he did. A man of great integrity, Charles was also gentle, kind, courageous, and generous to family, friends and those in need, in addition to being very fond of animals, especially cats. Among his many selfless acts, Charles cared for family members and friends during extended illnesses and honored local veterans by laying Christmas wreaths on their graves in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Charles was dearly loved by family and friends. Life will not be the same without him. We miss him greatly.
To honor Charles and his legacy, in lieu of flowers, please encourage and support the preservation of Milam County’s history for future generations. If you wish to make a monetary donation in his memory, please consider the Rockdale Historical Society, Milam Touch of Love or the Cameron Animal Shelter.
Condolences may be shared at gpfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the care of Green‑Patterson Funeral Home
