Robert Lee Washington

Robert Lee Washington, 87, of Burlington received his wings on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

Born March 20, 1937, in Sasser, Georgia, he was the son of Drellie and Annie (Howard) Washington. On Aug. 30, 1974, Robert married Tamarra Roach, the love of his life.

Robert served in the U.S. Army before working as a Treatment Services Director in the Iowa Department of Corrections.

Robert was an exceptional athlete. His Illinois High School Basketball team won the state Championship two years in a row, and then he went on to play for the Univ. of Iowa Hawkeyes. While in college he became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He enjoyed any and all competition, ranging from golf, pool, table tennis, and card tournaments.

He was a great cook and liked learning new recipes and techniques to expand his skill set. Most summer days he could be found on the golf course. He liked the peace of growing a vegetable garden and the patience it required, sharing his produce and growing knowledge with the neighbors.

He enjoyed philosophical discussions with his family and friends, and tried to view the world around him with an open mind. He was kind, supportive and lived his life with integrity.

He saw the future in the young people around him and worked to inspire and guide them to be the best that they could be. More than anything he loved his family. His wife, Tamarra, was his confidante and best friend, and he adored his children and grandchildren.

His respect, wisdom and kindness will be forever missed; but his lessons, those special sayings, and his memory will be carried by all who love him. Robert and Tamarra are known to finish most phone conversations with "I love you." - "I love you more."

Robert's family include his wife, Tamarra; son, Darby (Karena) Washington; daughter, Regina Paschal Barmore; grandchildren, Alec Monaghan, Joshua Washington, Hannah Washington, Tamryn Washington, Tiana Washington, Jerry Antoine Paschal; 11 great-grandchildren; and granddaughter-in-law, Erin Paschal and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Sadly, Robert is preceded in death by his grandson, James Elliot Paschal and his parents, Drellie and Annie.

Robert was affiliated with St John's AME church throughout his married life. He lived by his favorite Bible Verse: "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The funeral service for Robert will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Reverend James Hailey III and Reverend Orlando Dial officiating.

Military honors will precede the service with honors to be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.

Robert will be laid to rest in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the burial.

A memorial has been established to St. John A.M.E Church and Patriotic Quilters of Southeast Iowa (Quilts of Valor).

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Robert's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.