"Mr. King" - Randolph Linworth King

Beloved Mr. King, a long time employee of Historic Congressional Cemetery passed away peacefully at George Washington University Hospital on October 11, 2023 following a brief illness. He was age 86, but up until just two years ago, retired from being a decades long employee at Congressional Cemetery on Capitol Hill, not far from his long time family residence in the 1300 block of Independence Avenue, SE. He was truly an inspiration for those of us that worked amongst him, with him, and even as his boss. He made Congressional Cemetery what is is today, interacting with the thousands of dog walkers that roamed his territory over the years (even with a bite here or there).

Mr. King, as he was known, tended his garden in the east end, and knew every inch of the cemetery and its many buildings. He cultivated plants and pruned trees like an expert, and was the fellow that brought holly and pine to the front gate during the holiday season to fund raise for the cemetery without being asked. You also might have seen him riding his beloved bike to and from work every day.

King had a magic connection with Congressional Cemetery, and about ten years ago staff gently asked him where his favorite spot was, knowing we had to have him interred in the place he loved, right behind Marion Barry. He chose the spot and said he wouldn't need it for 40 more years with his trademark giggle. He wanted a casket burial when the time came, and Mr. King's time has come.

We, the funeral and cemetery staff that worked along side him, and all of those that knew him, ask that he be given a proper burial at Congressional Cemetery in the site he selected, on November 2nd. All are welcome to attend a chapel ceremony that day at 11 am before we put our King to rest, with military honors. King never let us know he was an expert and decorated sharpshooter while volunteering in the US Army from 1962 to 1963! We've already made plans and have ordered a proper VA military stone for Mr. King to be installed as soon as possible.

Family members are unable to raise the funds for a casket burial and funeral home services, which is why we ask you all to donate toward his hefty funeral costs, with full disclosure available. Any excess funds raised will be donated to the local animal shelter in honor of his beloved late feline named "Tomcat."

He will be missed by all those that loved him.