King Kwaku Tawiah

Mr. Tawiah was born and raised in Elmina, Gold Coast (Ghana) to Mr. Joseph M. B. Wilson and Mrs. Agnes Benya on April 3, 1940. King received his early education from the Roman Catholic School in Elmina and attended Roman Catholic Middle School in nearby town Sekondi walking four miles each way. He attended and graduated from Business Secretaryship Academy in Elmina in 1957. His professional career includes work at United Africa Company (UAC) Stores and R. T. Briscoe Timber Division in Takoradi Harbour. He was often recognized for being naturally gifted with hands-on jobs. Whilst working with R. T. Briscoe he was transferred into their Motors Division which moved him to Accra. While working in Accra, King ventured into entrepreneurship starting small business ventures in radio and watch repair. Seeking greater employment opportunities, King moved to Tema to pursue work as a technician on a production line of aluminum smelter for Valco. In Tema, he fell in love and married Mrs. Faustina Tawiah (neé Preko Bruce). The couple relocated to New York City as King continued his technical work with Bio-Science Enterprises Photovolt. Later, he transferred the family to Indianapolis, IN during the early eighties when Dow Chemicals purchased Bio-Science. However, his time with Dow was short lived due to a merger. Driving and car maintenance were always one of his many passions. He enjoyed it so much it led him to return to New York City and start a business with Skyline Limousine from 1985 to 1990. Despite the business’s success, the time spent traveling between New York City and Indianapolis became too taxing for the family to maintain, and he moved back to Indianapolis full time. In Indianapolis, he found fulfillment working with Microdyne where he was recognized for his hard work and dedication. He earned accolades from several employers including the Microdyne Employee of the Year Award in 2000. He retired as a Senior Electronic Technician in 2005 after an employment career spanning over forty years. Activities outside of work included his involvement in the Ghana Society of Indiana, where he was no stranger to the dancefloor when Highlife music was playing at their parties. As an avid sports fan, he spent his free time watching basketball, soccer, football, and attending his children’s after school activities.

Mr. Tawiah is preceded in death by his parents Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Benya, his brothers Mr. Jim Wilson and Mr. Atta Wilson, his sisters Ms. Nana Anna Wilson and Ms. Theresa Wilson, and one great-grandchild.

Mr. Tawiah will be greatly missed by his wife Mrs. Faustina Tawiah, his children Ms. Augustina Wilson, Mercy Effe Wilson, Esq., Mr. Joseph Annan (Felicia), Mr. King Tawiah Jr. (Neneh), LTC Tracy Tawiah, and Dr. Daisy Tawiah, his brother Mr. Tommy G. Wilson, his twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. Reverend Father Tony Appiah of Ghana Catholic Community of Arlington, VA Diocese will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:30pm at Oakwood Cemetery in Falls Church, VA with reception following at Demaine Funeral Home Springfield. Arrangements are by Demaine Funeral Home Springfield.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Indianapolis, IN.

In lieu of flowers please send notes of condolences or contributions in accordance with Ghanaian tradition. If interested in contributing please visit this link http://bit.ly/KingKTawiah

The family of Mr. King Kwaku Tawiah wishes to extend our sincere thanks to The Eskenazi Healthy Aging Brain Care Program at Sydney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, IN.