Kenneth Washington

Kenneth Dale Washington was born as the only child to the union of Lud E. Washington and Lessie Barnes, July 5, 1941, in Great Bend, Kansas, one day after the birthday of his mother. Kenneth lived for a short while in Hoisington, Kansas until the dissolution of his parents' marriage in 1949. He moved to Pueblo, Colorado to live with his father, Lud. Kenneth was raised in a strong, loving Christian home by his father and accepted Christ at an early age. They attended Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he participated in many of the youth activities and sang the youth choir. Kenneth attended Bessemer Elementary School, but later moved to Colorado Springs with his mother. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1959. Upon graduation, Kenneth was employed at a Medical Company and was given a convertible Edsel as a present from his father. One of Kenneth's greatest joys was to get paid on Friday, go to Rosenbloom's Clothing store, buy a sweater, go to the record shop at the Junction and buy all the latest 45's, fill up his car, go pick up his girlfriend and ride around all weekend with the top down. Then on Monday morning, he would be flat broke and his car on empty! But, he was always happy-go-lucky, smiling and very optimistic about how he would and did, get to work. Kenneth loved to entertain, play cards and dominoes, and to dance and listen to music. He was an expert Chess player. A favorite memory is of all the siblings gathering together around the upright piano with Kenneth plunking "Oh, What a Night" and "In the Still of the Night" singing lead, with the rest of the siblings attempting to harmonize. Kenneth moved to the Great Bend, Kansas area to be near his ailing mother, Lessie. After the death of his mother in 1960, Kenneth relocated to Washington, D.C. and lived with his cousin, Gary Dean. While in Washington, D.C., Gary Dean introduced him to a beautiful young lady who worked at the diner next door to the Gem Department Store where Gary Dean worked. Her name was Elaine "Penny" Williams. Kenneth was intrigued with her beauty, style, and grace and asked her to marry him. Because she was a twin, he had to get the blessings of her family and her twin brother, who blessed the marriage. They were united in holy matrimony in 1964. They later relocated to Falls Church, Virginia where they had their first child, a son, Kevin Dewayne, in 1966. Kenneth and his bride lived in Virginia where he managed a Kentucky Fried Chicken store for a length of time. After working several places in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area, Kenneth and Penny relocated to Boulder, Colorado in 1970. They both attended the University of Colorado, but did not obtain a degree. Their second child, a daughter, Lessi Michelle, was born in 1972, in Denver, Colorado. Kenneth and Penny remained together for several years after moving back to Colorado but the marriage was later dissolved. Rebuilding his life, Kenneth returned to Pueblo. Kenneth was trained, licensed, and ordained as a minister under his teachings of his mentor, Reverend F. L. Chandler. He was highly involved in the youth ministry at Bethlehem by conducting bible studies, youth recreational activities and meetings twice a week for prayer. Kenneth was extremely instrumental in the renovation and reconstruction project of Bethlehem Baptist Church. His first completed project was the building of the gymnasium and moving to the new facility to conduct Sunday services from the old sanctuary. His passion was to help others, which he did frequently, bringing people to Christ, and helping them understand the Bible. He also used his carpentry skills repairing and renovating homes for people in the community. In 2003, Kenneth united with New Hope Baptist Church, Pueblo, Colorado under the direction of Pastor C. S. Sankey, Sr. He served as the Assistant Pastor, Bible Study Teacher, sang in the choir, and did maintenance at the church when needed. Kenneth found great fellowship with friends and musicians Michael and Q. Franklin. They traveled to different churches ministering to the masses. Kenneth then attended the First Presbyterian Church of Pueblo for five years, before being called to New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Fountain, CO, under the leadership of Pastor Kevin T. Daniels. Kenneth desired to attend the New Jerusalem new members classes; however, the declining of his health prevented him from doing so. Rev. Kenneth Washington departed this life November 29, 2014 in Pueblo Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include, his two children, Kevin Washington (Mollie), Payton CO, Lessi Washington, Upper Marlboro, MD, two sisters, Shirlea Neal, Denver CO, Patti Jo Hester, Las Vegas, NV, two brothers, Prentis Vanduvall, Denver CO, Billy Ross, Crescent City, California, five grandchildren, Shalisa Washington, Ayana Washington, Christina Gist, Casa Grande AZ, Kevin Washington, II Phoenix, AZ, Gift Washington, Upper Marlboro MD, three great grandchildren, Anthony Gammage lll, Amron Washington, Cody Brown, Jr.; his Lincoln Home Family, and many, many friends

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Service: 12/27/2014 at 1:00 PM - Bethlehem Baptist Church - 1044 Spruce Street Pueblo, CO