Leon Washington - Obituary

eon Washington, the son of the late Frank and Ollie Mae Washington, was born on October 5, 1933 in Santee, SC. He was preceded in death by his four siblings; Elby Washington, Della Morris, Bertha Bush, and Sylvester Washington. He peacefully departed this life on Monday, July 26, 2021 at the age of 87. As a result of his generous spirit and pleasant personality, he was loved by many. His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him. Leon spent a loving childhood with his parents and four siblings. He lived his early years in Santee, S.C., until he relocated to Washington, D.C. with his parents. Leon entered the United States Army as a Medic in 1953. Then, he attended a tailoring vocational education program at Armstrong High School that prepared him for a successful career at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., where he served 30 years before retiring. Leon was a fiery sports enthusiast; he enjoyed watching a variety of games. Most importantly, he was an avid Redskins football fan who purchased his first season tickets in 1958. He followed the Redskins from 1958 through the years with the Hogs, and continued to the present. He was always in conversations about the draft and the upcoming seasons. He also played cards and enjoyed meeting with his friends to play pinnacle and watch Redskins away games. While Leon was a sports fan, he also was an athlete during his teen and adult years. Additionally, he was a recreational bowler who bowled with a local bowling team. He also was a music lover who enjoyed Motown sounds. Leon could often be seen rocking to the beat of oldies at any moment in the day. On another note, Leon could dress! One would be remiss if the fact that Leon walked with style in his tailored suits, Stacey Adams shoes, and Kango hats was not highlighted. He treasured his leather coats that were worn with crisp white shirts to compliment his stylish blazers. He was truly a sharp dresser from head to toe. Leon’s life will forever be cherished in the lives of his friends and family. He is survived by his longtime companion, Betty Blount; a wife from a previous marriage, Delores Washington-Cole; his loving children, Lionel Wood (Kassandra Wood, wife), Brenda Washington-Agunyego, Linda Williams-Marlin (Larry Marlin, husband), and Leon Washington Jr.; step-daughter, Evelyn Miller-Wood (Tony Wood, husband); and grandchildren, Ignacio Washington (Njeri Washington, wife), Keturah Williams, Kiley Williams, Jasmine Nicole Wood, Elijah Wood, Maliik Wood; great grandchildren, Danisha Bailey, Isis Jarvis-Washington, Aurora Jarvis-Washington; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Leon's Life Celebration on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment with military honors at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD immediately following the funeral.