Luther Washington Jr

Luther Washington, Jr. was born August 8, 1933 to Luther Washington and Sadie Thompson Washington, in Crowley, Louisiana. Luther attended Xavier University and Texas Southern University, where he studied Physical Education before joining the United States Army and serving four years. Not quite done serving his country, Luther joined the United States Air Force full time and then became a lifelong Reservist for 30 years. While honorably serving as a Reservist, he was also employed at the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) for the duration of his career. He retired from both duties in 1990. As a lifetime military man, Luther loved perfection. He strove for perfection in everything that he did, including growing grass. For most of Luther's adult life, he resided in the south end of Columbus, where the children of the neighborhood knew not to step on Mr. Washington's grass. When he was not making sure that his grass was okay, you might also find him running, which he did everyday when he was healthy. During cold, snowy days, the Omar Drive crew of fathers could be seen drinking Luther's famous tea to keep warm while shoveling all the neighborhood driveways. Luther enjoyed taking pictures. He loved to capture every happy or proud moment in his life. He had pictures of his time served in the Korean War, pictures of his travels while in the service, pictures of the neighbors, the neighbors' kids, the cars, his grass, his children, you name it; his life could be found in pictures. His next love was the love for his family and friends and his desire to make sure that everyone was taken care of. Whatever a family member needed, Luther was always there to lend a helping hand. After retiring to Port Arthur, Texas, in 1990, Luther would drive from Port Arthur to Columbus, Ohio to see family and friends. He always made sure to stop and visit his old south end friends that were still around. Luther departed this life on Thursday, February 6, 2014. In addition to both his parents, Luther was predeceased by his sister, Eileen. He is survived by his son Terrance Washington; daughter Teresa (Roger) Kazee; sisters, Ruby, Juanita, and Mary; grandchildren, Arianna, Meghan, Roger Jr., and Joshua; one great grandchild Andre; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.