Settler's Award goes to Washington

Pastor Bobby Washington poses for a picture with his wife Ella (Cole) Washington. Bobby Washington is this year's Kingdom of Callaway Supper Setter's Award recipient.
Pastor Bobby Washington poses for a picture with his wife Ella (Cole) Washington. Bobby Washington is this year's Kingdom of Callaway Supper Setter's Award recipient.

Former coach and pastor Bobby Washington is this year's Kingdom of Callaway Supper Setter's Award recipient.

According to the supper's organizer, Debbie LaRue, Washington is a highly admired and respected coach.

"He is looked up to by so many kids and their parents," she said. "He is genuinely the kind of person when you meet him on the street. He will brighten your day."

The Settler's Award was created in 2002 to honor and recognize someone not born or raised in Callaway County, but who has been a resident for at least 20 years.

"Its a great honor to receive this award," Washington said. "I'm very thankful that of all the people to pick out of Fulton, that I was worthy to receive it."

Washington was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas where he graduated from high school and then received a degree in physical education from Ottawa University. Washington said he met his future wife, who was attending William Woods at the time, through a mutual friend.

"I met her, talked with her, and really became interested in knowing her better," he said. "My church came to Fulton to visit, one thing led to another, and I decided she was the one for me."

Washington said that his experience after going to colleges in small towns made Fulton look very appealing. He moved to Fulton in 1980 and became a teacher at the Missouri School for the Deaf. There, Washington taught physical education, health and drivers education for 32 years.

He has served as commissioners of housing and a prison board, as an umpire, and is currently pastor at Fulton Church of God in Christ in Fulton. He leads by example and encourages members of the church and others to grow and develop.

Washington has been married to Ella (Cole) Washington for 36 years and they have two sons, Jeremy (Kiesha) and Isaiah (Michelle); two daughters, Talisha and Rachel; and four grandchildren, McKenzi, JaKobi, JaKarrie and Audrey.

The 112th Supper will be March 7 at William Woods University. Also honored there will be the Callaway Youth Expo, receiving the Distinguished Service Award. This award goes to an organization or person who has served the county in a significant or positive manner, touching the lives of many.

The supper's president, Roger Moser, has invited this year's Guest of Honor, educator Larry M. Doyle, as was announced last Sunday. He is now a consultant and recently bought a retirement home in Mexico.

The 112th Kingdom of Callaway Supper will be March 7 at William Woods University. The President's Reception will be at the Kemper Arts Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The dinner will be at 7 p.m. at Tucker Dining Hall, and then people will move to Dulaney Auditorium for the program. The event is $15 per ticket.For more information, go to www.kingdomofcallawaysupper.com.