Obituary Elmer Lee Washington was born October 18th, 1935 in Houston, Texas to Daisy Belle White and Butler Washington. He spent most of his childhood in Austin, Texas along with his younger brother Donald; living with his grandparents and mother. Elmer was fortunate to live near four uncles and three aunts; and his family influenced his formative years. His mother was a teacher who instilled in him a strong conviction in the value of learning. His grandfather, Benjamin White, was known for his intelligence even though his formal schooling ended in eighth grade. Benjamin was also known for fashioning playable "flutes" from sugar cane stalks. Elmer's grandmother, Sarah Lou White, was loving and a strict disciplinarian. Elmer inherited intelligence, drive, creativity, and a strong work ethic from his family. He excelled academically — particularly in mathematics and science where he was often the top student. He also played the trombone in the high school band which won the state championship, sang in a quartet, and developed a love of swimming while canoeing in Lake Austin. Elmer was also very involved in his church and community, dedicating time to his church youth choir, the Baptist Young People Union, Sunday School, working as a clerk in a neighborhood grocery store, and working on local home construction projects with his uncle R.D. (Rufus D. White). After high school, Elmer moved to Houston to attend Texas Southern University (TSU) for undergraduate and graduate school, and he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry. At TSU, Elmer participated in the college's championship debate team and was fond of relaying the story of how he would have won his debate against the late, great congresswoman Barbara Jordan if not for a technicality. He noted that she was aware of it due to far more years of debate experience. Elmer also became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. during this period. Historic events such as World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War shaped Elmer's life. Hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak at St. John Baptist Church in Houston inspired him to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. While doing graduate research at the University of Chicago, he received military induction orders for the Vietnam War. At the time, he was working at the Chicago Post Office in an effort to save money to continue his studies, and he was therefore subject to immediate induction because he was not taking classes during that quarter. Elmer's research mentor and advisor, Professor Paul Mangelsdorf, wrote a persuasive letter to the draft board about the importance of Elmer's research and the need for it to continue. The letter was successful; and he and Professor Mangelsdorf went on to coauthor the publication "Packing of Mixtures of Hard Spheres" in the journal Nature in 1960. Subsequently, Elmer earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Elmer met Anna Marie Ross While pursuing his Ph.D. At TSU, Elmer happened to be a roommate of a friend of Anna's from Fisk University. When Elmer moved to Chicago after graduation, their mutual friend made sure they met. The date was clearly successful and Elmer and Anna married in 1960. Their family grew with the additions of their daughter, Lisa, and son, Elmer Lee, Jr. After starting their family life in Chicago and moving to Connecticut for several years, Elmer and Anna settled down in Park Forest, Illinois, where they remained for over forty years. They were proud to watch both children thrive academically and obtain advanced degrees. The spirit of service and community that suffused much of Elmer's childhood continued to guide him throughout his career. Elmer started his career as a research scientist at the Pratt and Whitney Division of United Aircraft (now United Technologies), but then decided that he found more fulfillment in a university environment. Elmer joined Chicago State University as a professor in 1969. He continued his university career for over 30 years and rose through the ranks quickly, holding a number of positions including: Dean of Natural Science and Mathematics, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Vice President for Research and Development, and Acting Vice President for Student Affairs. During this time, he served as a mentor and educator for thousands of students. Near the end of his career, Elmer was proud to serve as the President of the union at Chicago State University - University Professionals of Illinois, Local 4100. Following his retirement from teaching, he served as a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) for twelve years and the IBHE recognized his leadership and service to the students of Illinois in 2014. Elmer remained active in his community and church throughout his life. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for Jackson Park Hospital for more than twenty years; chaired the Dr. Charles E. Gavin Medical School Scholarship Committee, through which dozens of students received medical school scholarships; and chaired the Reparations Committee for the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ. He served as the President of the Kiwanis Club of Park Forest and represented the club at the international meeting in Switzerland. Elmer was proud to consistently be one of the top Pancake Day ticket sellers for the Kiwanis Club. He also started a longstanding book discussion group that began in 1998 and provided a space for its members to discuss ethnic, racial, and diversity issues. In 2008, Elmer was inducted into the Park Forest Hall of Fame in recognition of his consistent and substantial service to Park Forest, including his leadership at Faith United Protestant Church and at South Suburban PADS. Throughout his life, Elmer continued to learn, engage in deep study on a variety of subjects, respect and preserve the environment, achieve greater spiritual development, build stronger communities, and grow closer to God. Part of his deep study included the game of golf; and he treasured his group of golf buddies. Elmer wrote, "I believe it is essential that I work to understand and value all things. This requires a life-time commitment to studying, praying, and seeking ongoing intellectual and spiritual growth." His life exemplified these values. Elmer leaves to celebrate his life: the love of his life and wife, Anna Marie Washington, daughter, Lisa Anne Jones (Marc Jones), son, Dr. Elmer Lee Washington, Jr. (Karen Washington), granddaughters, Alexandra Danielle Jones (Adrian Archambault), Amber Greene, Ginger Rowe (Tyler Rowe), grandson, Daniel Marc Jones (Elle Merenbach), and great grandchildren, Andrew and Gabrielle Greene, along with a host of loving family and friends. We have all been blessed with Elmer's love.