Galen K. S. Queen

Galen Kenneth Stuart Queen, 99, joined his wife, Virginia, in Heaven on August 26, 2020. Galen was born on August 14, 1921 in Washington, D.C. He died at 10:43 a. m., under hospice care at the home of Arthur and Bobbi, his son and daughter-in-law, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Until July 1, 2020, when he went into the hospital, Galen still lived independently in his own home. He enjoyed spending family time, especially eating out--he always wanted to treat--with his children and their families. Since 1954, he's been an active member of the Aspen Hill Christian Church.

Galen grew up in Washington, D.C. and worked at his father's drug store. He was drafted during WWII, but because he lost a kidney in a childhood sledding accident, served stateside. He met the love of his life, Virginia Plunk, at a USO dance in 1946. They went on their first date to the Washington Monument on July 4th to watch the fireworks and married on Christmas Day that same year. When asked why they picked that date, he said, “It was the best gift we could think of to give each other.” Five kids followed in the years between 1949 and 1961.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, Galen worked as a machinist. Then settled into a long career with the government as a Position Classifier until his retirement. When Virginia retired a few years later, they took to the road in a motor home for fifteen of the “best years of our lives.” They were proud to have traveled all 50 states, including a flight to Hawaii, and lastly, a cruise to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary. They also toured Europe and Israel. They settled back in Maryland when Virginia's health deteriorated.

Besides traveling, Galen's hobbies included a passion for photography. He took extensive travel photos, and was behind the lens at almost all family events. He enjoyed the big bands of his youth, and loved dancing with Virginia throughout their long marriage. In his later years, Galen was an avid investor.

Galen embodied the “can do” spirit, had his own unique way of doing things and an opinion about nearly everything, and the confidence to tackle just about anything.

Galen Queen was predeceased by his parents, Lony T. Queen and Nellie Stuart Queen, and his wife, Virginia P. Queen. He is survived by his five children, Gaylene Cottone, Arthur Queen, Lona Queen, Kenneth Queen, and Joy Sterner. He has ten grandchildren: Anthony, Frank, Stuart, Michael, Virginia, Sarah, Emma, Samuel, Ben, and Tyler, and eleven great-grandchildren: Amber, Kyle, Anthony, Alyssa, Daniela, Jordyn, Cameron, Shayne, Brandon, Ethan, and Erika.

He will be missed by all.

The Graveside Service for immediate family will be on September 14, with a Memorial Service planned at the church for a future date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to the National Park Foundation at nationalparks.org/donate. 

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