Tom King Jr. didn't shy away from public service, inspiring others along the way.

A military veteran of two wars, a former Butler County commissioner and state representative, King also worked with numerous community groups.

The longtime Butler dentist died Sunday at his home. He was 83.

Before becoming a county commissioner in 1988, King served multiple nonconsecutive terms in the 1960s and 1970s as the state representative for District 11.

Art Rauschenberger, chairman of the Butler County Republican Committee, recalled being inspired by King's candidacy for state office in the late 1960s.

"He was one of the most energetic, solid guys around," Rauschenberger said Monday.

Rauschenberger said King studied political issues and was highly regarded by other state officials in Harrisburg.

"They respected him immensely," Rauschenberger said.

King was a county commissioner from 1988 to 1991.

Commissioner James Kennedy praised King for his efforts.

"He was a very good commissioner," Kennedy said. "He worked very hard for the people of Butler County. That's why I admired the man so much."

Kennedy cited King as one of his inspirations to run for office.

Former county Commissioner Glenn Anderson remembered King's kindness toward others.

"He'll sure be missed," Anderson said Monday.

Former Commissioner Jim Green recalled King being part of a good board.

"The board can't succeed if they don't work together," Green said Monday.

Before being elected to state office, King was the Republican nominee for a Congressional seat in 1958.

King attended Grove City College before enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1942, serving as a bombardier during World War II.

After being honorably discharged in 1945, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry in 1950.

King and his wife, Lois, established dental offices in Butler and Chicora. He retired in 1986.

An Eagle Scout and Boy Scout leader, he was honored as a Distinguished Citizen in 1998 by the Moraine Trails Council.

King also was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans and was active with the American Red Cross and local volunteer fire departments.

One of his passions was harness racing, owning a number of horses competing in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Kentucky.

One of his horses, Berlin Flyer, was named to the Hall of Fame at Northfield Race Track in Ohio.

Rauschenberger said he could relate to King for a reason other than his political fervor.

"His sense of humor was like my dad's — very dry," Rauschenberger said.