Robert Washington Jr.

“Gone Too Soon but Not Soon Forgotten”

In Remembrance of Robert Washington, Jr.

November 17, 1941 – April 6, 2011

Robert Washington, Jr. was born the son of Robert and Virgie Washington on November 17, 1941 in Wharton, TX. He was a beautiful bouncing baby, who showed at an early age he was bound for greatness. Entering public school in Houston, Texas his interest in Mortuary Science became apparent. He would volunteer at Lewis Funeral Home and later became an apprentice to Frank E. Lewis. In 1964 he was drafted into the United States Army and following his completion of his military service he returned to San Antonio, Texas to continue his journey with Lewis Funeral Home. Robert enrolled in Mortuary School and graduated with high honors from the Commonwealth College of Mortuary. He was dearly loved by Mr. & Mrs. V.E. Larremore and maintained a close relationship with them until their demise.

In 1967, Lois Collins was attending a business related workshop in San Antonio, Texas and met Robert Washington, Jr. at a local barbecue event. He knew instantly that he met the love of his life as they married one year later in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 1, 1968. As they continued their journey together they conceived two children, Karen Washington and Robert Washington, III. Together they began a full, wonderful, and happy life as a family. The richness of Robert Washington’s life is evident in many aspects. He worked in the Medical Examiner’s office in the early 1970’s, he was Chairman of San Antonio’s Grand Jury, an active Member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, former President of the Van Courtland Social Club. (See Vita) Robert and Lois Washington were inseparable who loved God and their community.

Under Robert Washington’s ownership and leadership, Lewis Funeral Home continued to service the Greater San Antonio and surrounding communities with excellent service as he positioned Lewis Funeral Home prominently. In 1977 Robert saw fit to share his talents as a Mortician and became a mentor to many students whom have come through the San Antonio College Mortuary Science Department’s Funeral Service/Embalming Internship Program. Robert continued throughout the years teaching the skills he had learned to students from the Mortuary Science Department. In 1999, Mr. Washington and his funeral staff moved to a newly renovated 20,000 square foot facility located at 811 South W.W. White Road. Giving was a natural part of Robert’s life. He was a philanthropic with his church, civic, and social organizations. Additionally, enumerable families have been the recipient of his generosity as he was known widely to fully take care of burials for families who were experiencing financial hardships.

Robert was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas and served in multiple capacities before his overall health began to decline. While battling health complications and discovering that medical surgical procedures were inevitable, he asked his physicians to “hold off” to ensure God covered him and that the love of his life Lois would be taken care of should he expire during the operation. Robert always thought of others first and himself last, when his mother Virgie Lee took sick he made sure she had the best home comfort and medical care available. He visited her daily and being in the hospital no exception was made; he still saw to her care. He was also very instrumental in the burial arrangements for the Collins and Thompson families. He took care of everything from the apparel to the burial. He was truly a blessing to his family, friends, and his community in so many ways.

Robert Washington, Jr. left to cherish his memory, his wife and essence of his love, Lois C. Washington, two children Karen Washington of San Antonio, TX and Robert (Keita) Washington, III of Atlanta, GA, his mother Virgie Lee Washington of San Antonio, Texas, sister Celeste Washington of Houston, TX, two grandsons Eric Vaughn of San Antonio, TX and Robert Washington, IV of Atlanta, GA, two sister-in-laws Dr. Joyce K. Clarke of San Antonio, TX and Gloria Cha’Jau of El Paso, TX, one brother–in-law Albert Jones, two special nieces Kim Sanders of San Antonio, TX and Danita (Ron) Smith of Atlanta, GA. and a host of nieces and nephews and his Lewis Funeral Home family.