Melvin Washington’s 47-year career in education includes 40 years in the St Charles School District. Beginning his career before integration, he worked as an adult supervisor of the St. Charles School System, a teacher and coach at Franklin School (eventually becoming principal), an assistant principal of Hardin Middle School, a board member of the St. Charles School District for two terms and an educator at Jefferson Middle School until his retirement.
Towards the end of his career he was asked to become interim superintendent of the St. Charles School District and in 2004 he was honored as one of the “Pioneers In Education” by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Mr. Washington was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Trustee and Steward of the Board of St. John A.M.E., distinguished past president and life member of St. Charles Optimist, trustee for Missouri Conference of St. John A.M.E., and former member of the Missouri Human Rights Commission.
He was the beloved husband of Frances Washington; loving brother-in law of Thomas Stith; loving father of Melva (Ronald) Copes; dear brother of the late Booker T. and Byrd Leo Washington, Marie (James) Clinton, John W., Emett, Alvin, Rosa Bell Washington and Birdiana Moore; grandfather of Ronald (Juanita) Copes and Rodney Copes; and great-grandfather of Ronnell Anani Copes and Brieona Braeske.