Charles Donald King, Jr. March 27, 1950 – Jan. 3, 2026

Charles Donald King Jr. passed away quietly at his home in Cameron, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Born in Austin, he grew up in University Park (Dallas), Texas. He was a graduate of Highland Park High School and attended North Texas State University, where he studied art.

Charles was a true Renaissance man, distinguishing 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 talents and accomplishments were many, Charles was most proud of his decades long transfor mation of the Milam County Museum from a small local museum to a tri-building complex, full of fascinating permanent and special exhibits that featured original historical objects and documents, many of which were donated or loaned by local citizens. He meticulously cataloged and archived the objects and documents to ensure their preservation. Each exhibit was designed to showcase and preserve the unique history of Milam County for present and future generations.

During his tenure as Director, Charles worked diligently to raise funds to expand and enhance the Museum through grants, the publication and sale of historical writings, compilation of the Heritage Collection Cookbook, the support of Friends of the Museum, and through imaginative fundraising events, such as Christmas parties featuring his homemade sweet and savory cheesecakes, and dining and dancing under the stars on the illuminated Brushy Creek Bridge (Ledbetter Bridge) at Wilson-Ledbetter Park to the tunes of a premiere Austin band. In addition to maintaining the museum buildings and exhibits, Charles enhanced the exterior of the old Historical Jail Museum by planting and maintaining shrubs, flowering plants, and trees. He furnished the rooms on the first floor of the Historical Jail Museum with his personal antiques, mannequins dressed in period costumes, and other items to re-create the life of the Milam County Sheriff in the early days of the County, when the Sheriff and family lived on the first floor, while housing prisoners in cells located on the second floor. The living quarters included a parlor, bedroom, nursery, dining area and kitchen. Through the years, many local students toured the Museum and learned about life in the early days of Milam County. To further promote Milam County, Charles designed a special flag commemorating the founding of the County in 1836. The blue and white flag was previously flown at the Milam County Courthouse. 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.

In addition to his devotion to the Milam County Museum, Charles served as consultant, officer and Board Member of the Rockdale Historical Society, where he mentored volunteers to ensure the successful development and preservation of the Society’s historical projects. He also served on the Cameron Tourism Committee, bringing energy and insights to draw businesses and visitors to Cameron and Milam County. Milam County has been deeply enriched by Charles’ long-standing and selfless devotion to the County and the preservation of its history.

Endowed with vision, passion and endless creativity, Charles brought beauty and value to whatever he did in life. Charles was gentle, kind, courageous, and generous toward family, friends and those in need, in addition to being very fond of animals, especially cats. Among many selfless acts, Charles cared for both parents and friends during extended illnesses and honored local veterans by placing Christmas wreaths on their graves in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Charles was dearly loved by family and friends and is greatly missed. A Memorial Service to honor Charles and celebrate his life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at the Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Cameron. In lieu of flowers, to honor Charles and his legacy, the family requests that you 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 Milam County Museum, the Rockdale Historical Society, Milam Touch of Love or the Cameron Animal Shelter.