Lanxton Leon Washington

Rev. Lanxton Leon Washington, born October 7, 1946, of Aldan, PA,  pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sharon Hill, PA, died at Lankenau Hospital Monday, May 25, 2020, after a courageous battle with Covid-19. During his illness, his friends and family called him and spoke with him until he was called home to be with His Lord and Savior. He is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Deborah Kelly Washington; a mother-in-law, Lydia Johnson Kelly; a daughter, Alexis Louise Washington; a son, Langston Allen Washington; a brother and sister-law, Larry Washington and Karol Barnes; a brother Wayne Washington; two nephews, Jason Washington and Larry Washington; and his cousin who is like a sister, Tommie Wilkins. He also leaves behind a larger number of cousins, friends, adults that he has mentored, friends that have been considered family, and a congregation that he pastored, First AME Church Sharon Hill, PA of Darby Township. 

Rev. Washington was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Lanxton Lewis Washington and the late Louise Conyers Washington. He attended schools in the School District of Philadelphia, graduating from West Philadelphia High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United State of America Amed Forces within the Army branch and served from 1966-1977, honorably discharged ranked as a Captain. LT Washington served with Co. A, 1/12, 1st Cav Div, Airmobile, while serving in Vietnam. That translates as Company. A, 1st Battalion, First Cavalry Division, Airmobile. Lanxton served as Platoon Leaders of the second platoon of Company A. He had twenty-one men under his command. Loving his country and wanting to ensure the safety of all citizens, he started his own security business, L. Washington and Associates, until he closed the business to focus on his role as a pastor, husband, and father. 

Rev. Washington was a well-educated man. He received a dual degree in Political Science and History from Thomas Edison State University, studied Counseling at American Christian College and Seminary, studied Black Church Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary, and prior to his illness completed his Doctorate in Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary. 

Rev. Washington served as a clergy member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for 27 years. He also worked as a chaplain with Cooper University Medical Systems and volunteered his time with the Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. 

Rev. Washington enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and reading books. He loved people, was a connecter, and mastered the art of conversation. Every person that encountered Rev. Washington could feel his caring spirit and enjoyed his affectionate smile and laugh. He was involved in many clergy organizations and served as a mentor to many young ministers and young adults. His favorite pastime was being with his children, Alexis and Langston, who were the joys of his life and serving as a pastor and clergy leader. 

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the family will have a private viewing at Congleton Funeral Home and graveside burial at Rolling Green Cemetery, June 10, 2020. There will be live-stream viewing and recording of the closed ceremony. For more information about where to make memorial contributions or on the final ceremonies, please contact authenticalexis@gmail.com