Duane Washington
On Thursday, November 10th, 2022, Duane Washington, a beloved member of the community, passed away. He was 91 years old. He was born an only child to Virginia Washington and Forest Brooks on July 31st, 1931 in Chanute, Kansas. Duane graduated from Chanute High school, Class of 1949. Soon after graduation, Duane joined the army and served until he was honorably discharged in 1952. He bravely fought during the Korean War and faced 5 battles during his service. After many weekend visits to Portland Oregon while on leave from Fort Lewis Duane decided to make this large and exciting city his home. He soon after met his first wife Joyce, and there they stayed to raise their children together.
Duane was a very active member of the community. He coached and played in many sports team, was a cub scout leader, restored cars to their former glory, and took part in the American Legion. He was a proud member of The Brothers Free Motorcycle club, where he earned his very respected title of Godfather. He helped to charter the Scappoose Lions Club.
A service organization that touched many lives, and is still remembered for its impact today. In 1971 he began a long career in the Employment Division with the state of Oregon and retired in 1994, the same year he married his wife Debra. During his retirement, Duane and Debra found a beautiful countryside home where he was able to have his horse Geronimo that carried him in the Rose Festival Parade to honor his time as a buffalo soldier. They enjoyed many lasting memories with yearly birthday parties for Duane that everyone looked forward to every year.
A favorite activity that stuck with him was mushball, he played and coached for many years.
Duane is preceded in death by his father, Forest Brooks, mother, Virginia Brown, and step father, Ralph Brown. Sons, Charles H. Washington, Gary Washington, and Cory Washington. Grandsons, Christopher Washington and LaRon Washington. And former wife Joyce. Duane is survived by his wife Debra Washington. Children Ronald Washington, Tony Washington, Mark Washington, Audrey Washington, Charles Jackson, Leif Washington, Carry Ann Washington and Roxanne Washington and Step Daughters, Jennifer Allen, and Anne Plunkett. His former wife Jana Gregory. And a host of grand children, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. Duane will always be remembered as someone who enjoyed helping others and had a passion to make as many lives as he could, better.
Duane's homegoing is schedule for November 28, 2022 at 12:30pm, at Eastside Imago Dei Community, 3130 SE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97236.