Earl Washington Obituary

Washington, Earl L., ESQ. (June, 1930- January, 2012) Passed away after a long battle with complications from Diabetics. He practiced Criminal Law for over 50 years, and was well known at the 26th California Criminal Court. Mr. Washington graduated from DePaul University School of Law in 1958, passed the bar in 1958, and immediately went into the practice of Criminal Defense Law. He graduated from Lauris Academy (High School) in Iowa, having been the only African-American in the academy. He obtained a degree in drama in New York City, and was a classmate to Sidney Portier. He excelled at high drama, but could not get a role on Broadway because he was not considered to have a dark enough complexion. He decided not to pursue a career in Drama and returned to Chicago. He attended Roosevelt University where he was a classmate and football teammate to the late Mayor Harold Washington. Never one to give up in the face of adversity, Mr. Washington persevered even after losing his eyesight in 1994, continuing to win many difficult and challenging cases. Mr. Washington also was a Thorougbreed Race Horse owner, and Licensed Horse Trainer and Breeder. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diana; (4) sons; Anthony (Claudia); Leslie; Earle iv; Adrin (Jessica); (3) grandchildren, Olivia, Sofia, and Adrin, Jr.; a sister, Maybell Carmen; and cousins. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 4, 2012, 3:00 p.m., at A.A. Rayner, 318 E. 71st Street. Info call: 773-846-6133.