Wayne L. King

BARRE – Wayne L. King, 60, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at home with his family at his bedside.

Born on September 2, 1961, in Montpelier, he was the son of Margaret and Donald Thurber. He attended local elementary and high schools.

On August 25, 1980, he enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard. From 1980 until 2006, he served as a member of the Service Battery, 1 ^st Battalion, 86 ^th Field Artillery unit. From 2006-2008 he served with Golf Company (Field Artillery Field Service Company) 186 ^th Brigade Support Battalion, 86 ^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; 2008-2009 with Detachment 1, Company A (Distribution), 186 ^th Brigade Support Battalion, 86 ^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; and lastly from 2009-2022 with Alpha Company (Distribution) 186 ^th Brigade Support Battalion, 86 ^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain).  He achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class.

On June 18, 1988, he married June Wagner at Fisk Memorial UMC in Natick, Massachusetts. Following their marriage, they made their first home in Natick, MA before moving to Milton, MA and eventually settling in Barre, VT.

Wayne was a member of the Bible Baptist Church in Berlin. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working on cars and on computers. He also enjoyed helping friends, family, and community members in need. He was known as “Mr. Fix-it,” and even if he didn’t know how to do something he would figure it out and get it done. His friends called him Space Monkey and Kinger both names he proudly accepted. Just sayin’

Survivors include his wife, June King of Barre; his daughters Whitney Jones and husband Jason of Williamstown; Crystal Woodworth and husband Jason of Enfield, CT; and Deanna Barrows and husband James of Plainfield; four grandchildren Carter Jones, McKenzie Jones, Kolton Jones and Macie Woodworth who referred to him as Papa and sometimes even Grumpa; his four legged best friend and partner in crime Lily King of Barre; his father Donald Thurber; his siblings Lori Thurber of Williamstown; Walter King and wife Brenda of Barre; Doreen Estes and husband Thomas of East Barre; Misty Thurber and partner Justin Edson of West Topsham; and Lou Thurber and wife Cathy of Barre Town; his bonus daughters Iris Beede of Washington, VT and Amanda Mastrangelo of Saint Matthews, SC as well as thirty nieces and nephews and many cousins

In addition to his grandparents and his mother, Margaret Thurber, he was predeceased by his sisters Rebecca King and Cathy Harkness and his brother Donald (Donnie) Thurber.

The service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Berlin Armory, 363 Fisher Road, Berlin. Following the service at 11:30 a.m. there will be a life celebration also at the Armory.   Inurnment will take place at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center at a later date to be announced.