“Charles Henry” as he was affectionately called, was born April 28,1947 in Kansas City, Kansas and was the second of eight children born to the union of Willie and Mable Washington. He was welcomed into Eternal Glory by his parents Willie and Mable, maternal and paternal grandparents, and sister Doris “Dot” Marie Washington-Cooper. On Ahead Charles was raised in Kansas City, Missouri where he received his childhood education in the Kansas City public school system.
He attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 1966. Charles joined the United States Coast Guard where he received his training in the field of bio-medical technology and earned the National Defense Service Medal. After four years of military service and an honorable discharge, Charles began a career with Truman Medical Center as a bio-medical engineer and worked in the field for over thirty-five years until his retirement in 2009.
Let the Good Times Roll Charles was an avid bowler and league member for many years. He enjoyed golfing and had a regular “guy’s night” poker club with his closest friends. He loved to sing and dance, especially to Michael Jackson or ‘90’s rap, and could be described as a music enthusiast and dancing machine.
Charles was the life of the party at any gathering and could be heard loudly and proudly singing off-key and trying to out-dance family and friends. His beaming personality and kind spirit would always light up the room and you could not help but laugh at his joking mannerisms. Caring and Sharing Charles was a member of the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Progress Lodge No.
77 of Kansas City, Kansas where he served faithfully for thirty years. As a Mason, he held true to the mission to strive in truth, charity and brotherly love. He carried out the tasks well and was elected Treasurer, Secretary and Worshipful Master of Progress Lodge No.
77. He was also Grand Treasurer and Grand Coordinator for the Kansas Jurisdiction. To God Be the Glory As a child, Charles attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and was a junior deacon.
Charles went on to be baptized at Oak Ridge M.B.C. and later joined Oak Grove M.B.C under the care of Pastor Kim L. Gladney where he served faithfully for over fifteen years. He was a church trustee and founded the Men of Promise ministry. He was a faithful member up until illness prevented him from attending regularly.
Finishing the Race Over the last few years, Charles’ health declined, yet he remained strong in faith and positive throughout. He spoke victory over any obstacle he faced and always referred to himself as a cowboy. During the latter and final stages of his illness he was under the care of Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas.
On Tuesday November 20, 2018 Charles was released from his earthy body and into Eternal Glory! He leaves to cherish his memories: Mamie Washington, his loving wife of 21 years; two daughters, Kecia Kelly (Winston) of Saint Louis, MO and Charmaine “Charlie” Washington-Davis (Cornelius) of Houston, TX; two stepsons, Lorenzo Hicks of Dallas, TX and Carl Davis (Tracy) of Kansas City, MO; three brothers, William Washington (Vickie ) of Kansas City, KS and Lester Washington (Luberta) and Frederick Washington (Karen) both of Kansas City, MO; three sisters, Willa Baldwin (Harold) of Somerset, NJ, and Carol Wrice and Joyce Washington both of Kansas City, MO; seven grandchildren (Khyri, Paiten, Alexis, Monique, Cymone, Carlos and Khalil), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and cherished loved ones. Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Lawrence A. Jones and Sons Linwood Chapel.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 30, 2108 at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church 9301 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. Visitation 9:00 A.M. Interment 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 3rd in Leavenworth National Cemetery.
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