Joe Glenn Washington

Joe Washington was born on January 3, 1945 in Houston, TX. He was the third of eight children born to Rosetta and Ben Washington. Joe was reared in Settegast and attended B.C. Elmore High School. He participated in multiple school activities including the Glee Club and Debate Team. He served as Editor of the School Newspaper, Captain of the Fire Patrol and the Captain of both Football and Track Teams.

He was fondly referred to as “Crazy Legs” because of his unusual style of running. He anchored the 440 yard relay. He and his team won State in 1961 and won State again the following year in 1962. This incredible relay team also set a National Record in 1962.

In football, he started every game from his sophomore year in 1961 through his senior year in 1963. Remarkably, he won All District and All State Honors in 1962 and 1963 for Offensive Right Half Back and Defensive Left Corner Back. He attended Texas Southern on a Track scholarship where he majored in Political Science and minored Economics.

He was a community activist and participated in the movement to have a park in Settegast for the children. The name of the park is Hobart Taylor and it is still a viable part of the community today. He also served as the President of the PTA at Dogan Elementary located in 5th Ward in 1972. Under his leadership, the PTA was able to secure funding to implement the Follow-thru Program. This program addressed the academic needs of struggling students by providing in home collaboration and resources with parents to support increased academic achievement in the classroom.

He retired from Harris County Authority of Mental Health and Mental Retardation in 2005. However, he remained active by working with neglected and disabled senior citizens. He also initiated and hosted the Monthly Movie Night at Telephone Rd. Elderly Apartments where he resided. It gave him so much pleasure to give his time, efforts and voice for others in need. He said, “ We should always treat people right , because everybody is special in their own way…so treat them like you want to be treated.”

He married his lovely wife, Julia in 1964. They have four children: Ronald Washington- Contractor, Michelle Walker– Teacher, Joe Washington ll – Juvenile Detention Officer and Jacqueline – deceased. He also has four grandchildren: Gervaisa 28, RonEisha 27, Blake-15, Cole 15, and Vincent 7.

A visitation for Joe will be held Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Paradise Funeral Home, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A funeral service will occur Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM at Cemetery Beautiful, 8401 Wheatley, Houston, TX 77088.