Carl Washington

Carl Lambert Washington, Sr. was born May 2, 1937 to the late Edward Alexander Washington and Beatrice Virginia Lambert, both of Pittsburgh, PA.  To this union nine children were born, five of whom preceded Carl in death.

Carl attended schools in the Hill District section of Pittsburgh and graduated from Fifth Avenue High School.  While attending Fifth Avenue, he used his 6'3" height to develop and perfect extraordinary skills in basketball.  His love of the sport, diligent practice and passion for the game helped lead his school to the City Basketball Championship three years in a row.  The result of his exceptional accomplishment was a full scholarship to Lincoln University near Philadelphia, PA.

In 1960, Carl fell in love with and married Gayle Calloway.  To this union two children were born.  He named his first born, Carla, after himself because she was born on his birthday.  Three years later they were blessed with a son, Carl Lambert, Jr.

Carl served our country for 2 1/2 years in the United States Army, Special Forces Unit and was honorably discharged.  He worked for Carnegie Mellon Museum and Library for a short period of time before being hired by Exxon Oil Refinery.  Once again, he was rewarded for his diligence and was promoted to a supervisory position.  n this capacity he left a legacy by formulating a blend of oil that proved to be crucial in the purification of re-cycled oil.  His accomplishments at Exxon and his exceptional retirement planning resulted in Carl being able  to enjoy two decades of retired life with thee financial freedom to do anything he desired.

A love for fishing that would extend throughout his entire life began when Carl was teenager.  As a teen, he regularly fished from the river banks.  As an adult, he satisfied his passion by fishing in lakes, rivers and streams  all over North America, including catching the big ones from the ocean.  His love for fishing led to the purchase of several boats and a pontoon, which he shared with his family and the "Big C" fishing club.  Most of the family's vacations were filled with the joy of fishing and learning about the outdoors.  He taught his son, Burt, and his grandchildren how to fish and the art of handling the boats.  A special bond was formed because of their shared love of and dedication to the sport of fishing.

Carl was also a community activist and developer.  He was the director of the Paul Younger Community Center, which was located in the South Oakland Area.  Carl served on the board of the Lawn St. Community Center and was an integral part of the success of the Oaklander Marching Corps.  Many lives were positively impacted by his involvement in and love for the community.

For over 20 years, Carl shared his life with his loving, loyal and devoted companion, Debra  Crawford, and her two daughters, Lisa and Lori, and their subsequent children. 

Carl loved his Creator and believed that one day he would be with Him.  After suffering several illnesses, his God came and laid him to rest Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Debra Crawford of Sugar Hill, GA; two children, Carla Denean Hall of Pittsburgh, PA and Carl Lambert Washington, Jr. ()Desiree) of Shakopee, MN; three siblings, Allan H. Washington of Penn Hills, PA, Saundra Antoinette Shepherd (Clarence) of Wendell, NC, and Sharon Lorraine Banks of Little Washington, NC; grandchildren, Chanelle, LaSon, Steven and CaRae'; great-grandson, Javon Carl; close friend, Tim Adams of Pittsburgh, PA and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.