Obituary: Paul Charles Washington, Sr. - Class of 1953

MADISON - Paul was born December 21, 1934, in Wauwatosa, WI. his mother, Frances Givens, named him Charles Givens. Paul was adopted by Suzie and Reverend Joseph Washington of Madison and was named Paul Charles Washington and grew-up in the Greenbush Community.

Paul attended Old Marquette, New Marquette, Lapham and Central High School. He entered the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland where he trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist. Paul was sent overseas and served in Seoul and Incheon, Korea where he was injured in a mine sweeping accident. He returned home in 1955 and returned to work at UW Hospital after having several surgeries.

Paul met and married Shirley Alexander in 1956. They have six children and celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Paul did an apprenticeship in Mortuary Service at Obey’s Funeral Home in Milwaukee, WI. He returned to Madison where he worked at Gisholt Manufacturing, City of Madison Water Utility, Madison Police Department-Special Services, Dane County Sheriff’s Department, and part-time for the U.S. Marshall’s office. After his retirement, he and Shirley moved to California for the next 7 years. He returned to Madison and worked full-time as a driver for Dunham Express; then went to work for Fed-Ex Office and retired after 10 years of service.

Paul was very active he was involved with the Madison Scouts and a Boy Scouts leader. In Veteran’s Organizations including the Dane County Veterans Service Office-Commissioner; Disabled American Veterans-past State Commander; VFW 1318; Korean War Veteran Chapter-President; and was heavily involved with Badger Honor Flight. He also volunteered at Madison VA Hospital. He was a charter member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In his free-time he enjoyed golfing, bowling and loved to be friendly and helpful to people.

Paul is survived by his children, Joseph (Janet), Donald (Nancy), Larry, Paulette (Carmelita), Della and Paul Jr., and grandson, Brandon and other step-grand and great grandchildren. He has an adopted brother, Dr. Joseph Washington Jr., special cousin, Sina Thompson, stepbrother, Frankie A. Thompson; cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many, friends.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, with Msgr. Charles Schluter presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of Mass on Saturday at the church. Burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Madison VA hospital 4th and 7th floor nurses, the VA CLC Hospice nurses, VA Infusion nurses, the UW Radiation Clinic, and all the VA Hospital and UW doctors for all their support while going through this difficult time. Donations can be made to the Badger Honor Flight, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and UW Cancer Research.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 4, 2017.