Harry L. Washington, 89, Topeka, died on January 2, 2012 at Stormont Vail Hospital after a long illness.
He was born March 15, 1922 in Denison, Texas to Eli Houston and Siney Jane Anderson Washington.
He was married to Neva Jean Baker on March 21, 1948 in Topeka, Kansas. Together they shared nearly 64 years of happy marriage. They were blessed with three children, Sandra Barber (Gary) of Edwardsville, Galen "Butch" Washington (Diane) of Manhattan and Jane Tilghman (Dick) of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother and a granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, his children, one brother, Lawrence Washington of Bonham, Texas, seven grandchildren and their spouses, and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr. Washington served in World War II as a communications chief and was a decorated veteran. He worked in electronics, chemistry and photography for most of his adult life. He served as Master of the Seabrook Masonic Lodge and maintained his membership throughout his life.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012 at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4700 SW 17th. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Mr. Washington will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS 66610 after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the American Heart Association, 5375 SW 7th, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or Capper Foundation, 3500 SW 10th, Topeka, Kansas 66604.